> Cardfight Vanguard EQG: The Cardfighting Club
>  by MechaTomX
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Let's Start A New Club
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Planet Cray, two individuals were fighting, they were known to be great leaders in their clans, Crystal Scale and Flash Heart Dragon.

Flash Heart Dragon fired a blue beam from its mouth which headed straight for Crystal Scale, but the purple dragon managed to dodge it in time.

“You are good,” Flash Heart Dragon admitted, “But you still have much more to learn.”

“I know enough,” Crystal Scale replied, as he walked over to the yellow dragon to punch it in the chest.

But then.

PAM.

“Bwlarghh,” Crystal Scale spit out as he took a hit from Flash Heart Dragon, “I didn't see that coming….. Ouch.”

“You will become stronger, Crystal Scale, and when that day comes, duel me again, it will be a legendary battle that I am willing to look forward to,” Flash Heart Dragon said as Crystal Scale began to fade.

"It's a promise, I'll get stronger, Flash Heart," Crystal Scale said and a few seconds later it faded into a kind of glow.





At that moment, Spike woke up, he was lying in bed in his room, he looked at his watch, the time said 7:00 AM, after being quiet for a moment, he spoke, "What a strange dream."

He went to the place where he had his deck, he took out the Crystal Scale card that his brother Shining Armor had given him, "We must become stronger, even if we defeated Garble we cannot allow the power to go to our heads."

But at that moment, his stomach started to growl.

“Oh holy gems, apparently having epic dreams makes you really hungry,” he said as he rubbed his belly and then headed to the kitchen.

Several minutes later.

Twilight Sparkle walked into the kitchen, only to find her brother making breakfast.

"Oh hey Twi, you're in time for breakfast," said Spike who had made pancakes.

“Oh Spike, that look delicious, I just hope you haven't gone too far this time,” Twilight Sparkle said.

"Haha I get it, that time I ate a lot for several days and then you made me go on a diet," Spike said with a pout.

"Oh Spike, that wasn't so bad," Twilight said with a laugh.

"Speak for yourself witch, you didn't have to endure all that exercise," Spike replied.

"Did you call me a witch?" Twilight asked with fury in her eyes.

"Ummm...no," Spike said startled, obviously not thinking before he spoke.

After several seconds in silence, Twi began to laugh, seeing her, Spike tried not to laugh to stay serious, but he quickly began to laugh, at that moment the 2 began to have breakfast.

"So, will you tell me why you got up so early?" Twilight asked him.

"Hey, is it weird that for once I'm responsible and decide to get up at the right time?" Spike responded with another question.

"Yes, even for you, I've always woken you up since we were little," Twilight replied, "What happened Spike, is it something I should be worried about?"

“Wow, I know I always say this, but you sure are smart Twi, yeah, I actually woke up from a dream and you shouldn't worry, it wasn't a nightmare,” Spike replied.

"Wow, a dream, could you tell me what happened in it?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Well, in the dream I was fighting Flash Sentry," Spike answered, still hesitant.

"Flash was punching you?" Twilight asked in surprise.

"Ok, I guess I should have thought better of my choice of words," Spike said, "Well, it wasn't us, it was our Vanguards, Crystal Scale and Flash Heart Dragon."

“Oh, so it was your cards,” Twi said, feeling relieved.

"Well, in the dream, Flash defeats me, or defeats Crystal Scale however, and he told me to get stronger."

Twi smiled, she approached Spike, "Well, you helped Flash in the past and he helped you, he knows that you are very strong but he also knows that you can always be better than yesterday, it was thanks to Flash that you were able to show us  how special you are, and I think I know how you can thank each other.”

"Thanks Twilight, that means a lot," Spike replied with a tear in his eye, "Well I think I'd have a worthy Cardfight against him," Spike continued, "Or I think he might like a cake made by me too."

Twi looked at him with a confused face.

"Ok, so I guess it'll be a cardfight," Spike said awkwardly.

After they finished eating breakfast, the two headed to their rooms to change into their Crystal Prep uniform.

After the 2 were ready, they both left their house to go to school.

On the way the 2 siblings were heading to Crystal Prep, but as they talked, Twilight slipped and dropped her backpack causing some of her items to come out of her backpack.

Spike reacted quickly and helped her up, "Twi, are you okay?"

"Yeah, thanks Spike, I'm fine," Twilight said as she dusted herself off, then she began to pick up the things she had dropped.

“Allow me,” Spike said as he helped her pick up her dropped items, but Spike was struck by one item in particular.

"This is..." Spike said as he picked it up, "Wow, Twi, you?"

Twilight smiled, "Well, I wanted to tell you at break time, but I think you figured it out earlier."

The item was a deck.

"Wow, that means you're a Cardfighter now," Spike said beaming.

“Technically yes, but the girls and I barely understand the rules, could you teach us how to play after school?” Twilight asked him.

Spike nodded happily and then asked, "Yeah, when did you girls get decks?"

"Three days ago, a few days after your battle with Garble," Twilight replied.





3 days ago

Twilight Sparkle, Moondancer, Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine entered the Dragon Booster card shop.

Upon entering, they were greeted by the store owner, Mr. Torch.

"Welcome to Dragon Booster, one of the best TCG shops in Canterlot," Mr. Torch greeted them since he hadn't seen them and assumed they were new customers.

"TCG?" Twinkleshine asked.

"What does it mean?" asked Lemon Hearts.

“It means Trading Card Game,” Ember replied as she walked over to them.

“Ember,” the girls said at the same time.

"Hey girls," Ember greeted them.

"Do you know these girls Ember?" asked Mr. Torch.

“Yeah dad, they go to Crystal Prep too, they're a year older than me,” Ember replied.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Torch, my name is Twilight Sparkle, we're coming…." Twilight said but was interrupted by Mr. Torch.

“Twilight Sparkle? Of course, you must be Spike's older sister."

"Oh, yeah i am, has Spike told you about me?" Twilight asked him.

"He's mentioned you several times, he's said a lot of funny things about you, but it's clear that he loves you and respects you like a little brother should," Mr. Torch told her to which Twi smiled with a tear in his eye.

"Hehe, he's special," Twilight said.

Ember approached and spoke to them, “And why are you here? No offense."

“We're very interested in Cardfighting,” Minuette replied.

“So we want to play too, it sounds like a lot of fun,” Lyra added.

“So we came here to see if you could help us choose our decks,” said Moondancer.

“Yeah, it's really fun, come on, I know what decks you can use,” Ember said as the girls joined her.





"That's great, the girls definitly will have fun," Spike said.

Spike looking at the deck politely asked Twi, "Umm, can I?"

Twi smiled and nodded.

Spike began to look at Twilight's cards with excitement and curiosity, he realized that the clan she had was the Oracle Think Tank, a clan specialized in seeing the future.

While Spike looked at his sister's cards, one of them caught his attention, in the image there was a kind of witch wearing a pointy hat and a purple robe, in addition to using a golden scepter which had a 6-pointed star.

“She… is she your avatar?” Spike asked.

"Yes Spike, she is my avatar, I present to you Harmony Witch, I don't know why, but when Ember showed her to me, I felt that the card was calling me, as if we were connected," Twilight Sparkle answered.

Spike was surprised by what Twilight said, he never thought that his sister would take it so seriously, he continued reading the power of the unit.

HARMONY WITCH (PWR12000/G3/CRITICAL 1/ORACLE THINK THANK/ UNITED SANCTUARY)

"Hey Spike, have you ever felt any kind of spiritual connection with Crystal Scale, because if so, then that's what I feel," Twilight asked him.

Spike smiled and took out Crystal Scale card from his backpack, "Yes, I understand you perfectly Twi, it's not something easy to explain, it's something that the heart and soul feel, having that connection with your avatar."

Twi smiled, after a few minutes they were already at the entrance of Crystal Prep.

"Well, I'll be doing a little more work today, so I'll see you after school brother," Twilight said as she retreated to her classroom.

“Okay, and don't overdo your homework sister or you'll have another one of your panic attacks,” Spike replied as he too retreated to his classroom, but he caught a glimpse of Twi frowning at the earlier comment.

As Spike made his way to his classroom, he noticed that all the students he encountered were acting normally, which surprised him because a week ago they considered him a celebrity for defeating a champion.

But as he was processing that fact in his mind, he heard a voice greet him, "Hey Spike."

Spike turned and saw Thorax approaching, he greeted him, "Hey Thorax."

But when Thorax got closer, he realized something, "Is something wrong, Spike?"

"Excuse me?" Spike asked confused.

"Spike, I know when something's going on and someone won't tell me," Thorax said.

"It's nothing Thorax," Spike said trying to change the subject.

But Thorax didn't give up, "Spike, I'm not leaving here until you spill the beans."

Seeing that she couldn't escape, Spike told her the truth, "Well, it's just, it looks like my 15 minutes of fame is up."

"Oh, you mean all the students idolizing you and being the center of attention?" Thorax asked to which Spike nodded.

“Well, that's how it works, one day you can be a big guy with a lot of admirers, but the next you're just a normal person again,” Thorax told him.

"I guess you're right," Spike said.

“I'm surprised though, I didn't think you'd like this, I thought you were someone a bit more laid back,” Thorax said.

“At first I was overwhelmed by so many people coming up to me, but then I got used to it and well, in the end it felt good to be Spike the Brave and Glorious in front of my classmates,” Spike said.

"Spike the Brave and Glorious?" Thorax asked.

"It's the nickname they gave me, I think Twi's friends were the ones who called me that," Spike replied.

"You know they call you that because they also see the resemblance you have to the Brave and Glorious Hound?" Thorax asked again.

"WHAT?" Spike yelled as he realized, "Oh crap, why did you have to ruin my illusion, Thorax."

Thorax laughed, "Relax Spike it's no big deal, I don't think anyone knows the origin of that nickname."

“And that's another thing I'm bummed about,” Spike said.

“I don't understand,” Thorax said.

Spike began to explain, "This wasn't just about fame, after my win against Garble, I thought most of the students at this elite school would give Vanguard a try, it's a really fun game, but it seems it wasn't a big change, almost nobody knows the game, they were only interested in beating a celebrity without caring about the context." 

Thorax understood what Spike said, he knew how he felt, then he put his hand on his shoulder and tried to comfort him, "I know how you feel Spike, you feel that everything was in vain, and sometimes the changes are not so sudden, but always, you have to have hope, because the smallest things lead to other bigger things.”

"Are you serious," Spike asked.

“Yeah, and don't think you didn't get the game going, look to your right,” Thorax pointed out a few lockers later.

Spike turned around and saw his classmates Toola Roola and Coconut Cream who were talking while holding Vanguard cards, he and Thorax heard the conversation.

"And that's why Draw Triggers are so important," Toola Roola told Coconut Cream.

"You're right, I guess I'll add some for more stability," Coconut Cream replied, then she showed him a card, "So this unit will work for me."

“Well, soon we will play like professionals,” said Toola Roola.

“You see Spike, it was a small thing, but you managed to push the game forward,” Thorax told him.

"I guess so, thanks Thorax," Spike smiled.

"You're welcome Spike, I'll see you at break," Thorax said as he left.





In the classroom.

Spike was writing down the homework that was left for him in his notebook, "Ughh, what a bummer."

But at that moment the bell rang, indicating that it was break time.

"Finally," Spike sighed happily, but the class rep made an announcement before his classmates left the room.

“I remind you that it is mandatory for students to join a club, the deadline is in 2 weeks, so students who are not in a club yet, still have time, otherwise this will affect their grades, that is all."

Hearing that, Spike felt frustrated, "Oh not again, why clubs are mandatory, plus I'm not interested in any club at this school."

But at that moment he was approached by Toola Roola and Coconut Cream.

"Hi Spike," they greeted them at the same time.

"Hey girls, how are you?" Spike greeted them, this time he felt more comfortable talking to them.

“We are fine and we were wondering…” Toola Roola said.

“If you could teach us how to play better, in case you have free time,” Coconut Cream continued.

Spike smiled, "Of course I would."

But then he remembered what they told him about the clubs, "I just hope the clubs don't take away my free time, I don't even know what I can do."

But at that moment, Spike began to think, "Wait a minute, club, Vanguard?"

"Yeah, that's it," Spike said out loud which surprised the girls.

Spike thanked them, "Thanks girls, for helping."

“Umm, what exactly do we help with?” Toola Roola asked.

"In everything," Spike said in a tone like he was crazy.

"Ummm, you re welcome?" Coconut Cream said nervous.

At that moment Spike ran out of the room leaving a small trail of green flames behind him, "Thorax, where are you, I thought of something."

"What was that?" the girls asked at the same time.





In the halls.

After a few minutes Thorax and Spike were talking.

"A Cardfight Club?" Thorax asked smiling excitedly.

“Yes, so we could spend our free time as well as teach Vanguard to those who want to join, so I'm determined to create that club,” Spike said.

"But, starting a club, that seems complicated," Thorax asked.

Spike took out a book and began to read, "If it can be hard, I read the rules, apparently we need 5 members plus a permit from the council and the headmistress."

"Well, it doesn't seem that complicated, plus you know the headmistress so I think it'll be possible, I'll definitely sign up."

"Excellent, now let's tell Ember, I think she'd like to join in too," Spike said, then he and Thorax proceeded to find Ember.

They found her in one of the hallways on the second floor, Spike approached her to tell her about the club, "Ember."

But as he got closer, Spike slipped, "AHHH."

He accidentally fell on Ember who was on her back and didn't notice who was behind her, when she felt the touch, she reacted instantly punching Spike, "Take this pervert."

POW.

This caused Spike to fall down the stairs landing on the first floor, at which point Ember realized that the boy she hit was Spike, "Oh no, Spike."

“Uh oh,” Thorax said, seeing his friend fall from the second floor, at which point he and Ember headed over to see if he was okay.

"Spike I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you," Ember said to Spike who was unconscious, he had a lump on his head.

"Don't blame yourself Ember, besides this is nothing compared to other things that have happened to him hehe," Thorax laughed.





A few minutes later, Spike, Ember and Thorax were in the Crystal Prep infirmary, Spike was still unconscious, he was being attended by the nurse who was a tall woman with long blue-green hair.

“And how is it?” Ember asked concerned.

The nurse smiled, "Don't worry, he'll be fine, it's nothing serious."

“Thanks for helping him mom,” Thorax said.

"Mom?" Ember asked.

"Oh yeah, I think I forgot to mention, she is my mother, the nurse Chrysalis," Thorax replied.

“Nice to meet you,” Chrysalis greeted Ember, “Are you friends with Thorax too?”

“Yes, yes I am,” Ember answered.

"That's excellent, Thorax never had any friends, until now Spike was the only one he had," Chrysalis said.

“Oh, I didn't know that,” Ember said, looking at Thorax.

"Well you didn't need to know that," Thorax said.

"Though I have to ask you, how did Spike get hurt?" Chrysalis asked them.

Ember, feeling sorry for what she did, was going to tell her, "Well, the truth is that I..."

But she was interrupted by Thorax.

"He slipped."

“That was what happened?” Chrysalis asked.

Ember looked at Thorax so she continued with that lie, but she wasn't the best at lying, "Yeah, he, um, tripped on a banana peel."

"And fell to the ground," Thorax added.

"Yeah, that's exactly what happened," Ember said.

“Clumsy Spike hehehe,” Thorax said.

But Chrysalis looked at them with a serious face, "I don't believe anything you said, I wasn't born yesterday son, but since Spike is fine I guess I'll let it go."

“Hehe,” Thorax and Ember laughed nervously.

And at that moment Spike woke up.

"Whoa, what happened?"

"We'll explain later, but what was it you wanted to tell me?" Ember asked.

"We thought about starting a Cardfighting Club, we wanted to know if you wanted to join," Spike said, ignoring the pain he felt.

“Are you kidding? It is the coolest thing that has happened to me since I was transferred to this elitist hell, of course I accept,” said Ember.

"Then it's decided," Spike said thinking how awesome it would be to have a club to hang out playing Vanguard.





Meanwhile in the student council room, there were 5 girls, one of them spoke.

“You've heard the rumors of possible new clubs,” said a girl with short purple hair.

"I don't know, but we always have the last word," said a girl with blue hair and glasses on her forehead.

"Oh come on, shouldn't we be a bit more respectful of student proposals," said a long green-haired girl wearing headphones.

“It's not our problem that students have pathetic ideas when they want to start a club,” said a girl whose fuchsia hair was wrapped in a ponytail.

"She's right, Crystal Prep is a prestigious school which will train the best students, we can't have clubs that don't follow that rule," said a girl with two long ponytails on the back of her head with a bun tracing on the back of her head from a widow's peak.





Meanwhile at the military academy.

There was Flash Sentry and Soarin who were in a room along with 3 other students.

One was a girl whose orange hair looked like a flame.

The other girl had a similar hairstyle only her hair was a bluish-white color.

And then the other boy who was the older in the classroom had blue hair in a military cut except for his topknot which seemed to be a little disheveled.

“This club has been formed, I want to tell you that we are proud that you have wanted to belong to this team,” said Flash Sentry with emotion causing the others present to applaud.

"Soon we will be more, and we will show that this is not just a game," Soarin announced to which everyone nodded.

After several minutes everyone went to their rooms except for Flash who stayed there a little longer, "Well I guess I have to go back."

But he was interrupted by a voice from someone entering the room, "That was a great motivational speech, if I could tell your passion."

Flash Sentry turned to see Shining Armor walk in, "Shining, I mean, Coach Armor, I still can't believe you've offered to be our coach."

“Well, we all have our reasons, keep it up and soon this will be more than just a military academy school club,” Shining told him.

Flash Sentry gave a military salute, "I will sir."

"And stop calling me Coach Armor, forget the formalities, only Shining is fine."

"Oh alright, umm Shining,"

“Ok that sound weird but I'll take it,” Shining Armor said.
> The Evil Student Council
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the Sparkle family house were Twilight and Spike who were having a Cardfight.

"That's a Critical Trigger, Twi," Spike told her as he placed 2 units in his Damage Zone.

“Oh I see, I think I'm getting the hang of this now,” Twi said as she added the card to her hand.

“That's right, when you get a Trigger on the Drive check, an additional effect will be done, Criticals do extra damage, Draws allow you to draw an extra card, Stands allow you to stand a unit other than the Vanguard and Heals they heal you for one damage even though you have to have the same or more damage than your opponent to heal,” Spike said.

"I understand, additionally the Triggers grant 10000 power to any of my units right?" Twi asked.

"Thats right, and now it's my turn," Spike said and then placed his best card on top of his Vanguard, "GET UP MY AVATAR, RIDE…."

“CRYSTAL SCALE.” (PWR10000/G2)

Twilight smiled, "Crystal Scale, the party is not the same without him."

“Yes, he is my avatar so now….” Spike said but was interrupted.

"Twilight, Spike, it's time for dinner."

"Oh gems," Spike said, "I guess we'll just have to end here Twilight."

"Don't worry, Spike, I think with what you taught me, I can understand everything about the game now," Twilight told him.

"That's great, but if you have any more questions, I can answer them," Spike said.

"Actually if I have a question," Twilight said, "where are the energy cards?"

"Ughhh," Spike sighed as Twilight kept confusing the card games.





A few minutes later at family dinner, Night Light and Twilight Velvet decided to break the silence.

"Did something interesting happen at school today?" asked Night Light.

"Well, nothing special, the library added new books, there was an announcement for upcoming friendship games, and there was a reminder for students who haven't joined a club," Twilight Sparkle replied.

That answer made Twilight Velvet a little worried, "Why? what did they say?"

"That now it's mandatory to join a school club, otherwise it will affect our grades," Spike replied.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet looked at each other, because they knew that Spike hadn't joined a school club yet.

Spike, seeing his parents with that expression on their faces, knew what they were thinking so he explained what he was planning, "Dad, mom, don't worry, I've got it figured out."

"Are you going to join a club sweetie?" Velvet asked feeling relieved.

"Something like that," Spike said and then he took out his jacket and pulled out a sheet on which was a drawing of Crystal Scale who had Vanguard cards in his hand, who was having a Cardfight with Harmony Witch who also had cards in her hand, and across the top was written: CARDFIGHTING CLUB.

His parents had been surprised by the quality of the drawing, it almost looked like a photograph.

"Wow, you're going to start your own club, that's exciting, Spike," Night Light said.

Velvet smiled, "We are happy that you have changed for the better, the you from the past would not dare to do anything and would simply join a club out of obligation."

"I'm happy too, although you could have used my design," Twilight said as she took a sheet out of her bag, on the sheet there was a drawing of Crystal Scale and Harmony Witch but they were drawn in a Chibi way, Harmony Witch was hugging Crystal Scale while giving her a kiss on her forehead, Crystal Scale was smiling.

“I admit its so cute, Twi, but I don't think people think of Vanguard when they see that draw,” Spike said.

Twilight pouted to which the entire family smiled.

"Dawww, how cute," Velvet said upon seeing her daughter's drawing, then she went to find a photograph and showed it, "It reminds me of this photograph."

In the picture were Twilight and Spike but they were little kids, they must have been around 6 and 4 years old, in the picture little Twilight was hugging little Spike while giving him a kiss on his forehead.

“Oh, I think that's where I got the idea for this drawing,” Twi said, noticing the similarities between the photo and her drawing.

"You think?" Spike asked.





The next day at Crystal Prep.

Spike, Ember and Thorax were in Principal Cadence's office, they had shown her their new club proposal, Spike and Thorax were a bit nervous as Cadence read their ideas while Ember had a straight face.

Cadence finished reading and placed the paper on her desk.

Spike and Thorax closed their eyes, but then they heard Cadence's voice.

"I think it's a good idea."

"What?" Spike and Thorax asked at the same time as Ember smiled.

“I'm sure a Cardfighting Club would be nice to add plus you're well supported, Twily told me about your battle with Garble,” Cadence said.

"Hehe, I just won one battle," Spike said nervously.

"But you beat a champion," Thorax added.

“But don't think you can beat just anyone, you still have a lot to learn,” Ember whispered.

"Still," Cadence said as she handed Spike a key, "You're obviously qualified to run the club, so you have my approval, this key is for your club room, on the second floor."

"Thank you very much Ca… I mean headmistress," Spike thanked her.

"But they must comply with the other rules, to make it official it must be authorized by the student council and there must also be 5 members in total," Cadence told them.

“So we need 2 more members,” Ember said.

But Spike smiled, "I think I've got the missing cardfighters part figured out."

“I wish you the best of luck in making your club possible,” Cadence told them, and then they left her office.





Thorax and Ember went to the classroom, when they entered they saw that it had 2 large tables.

“This is a good place, those tables are fit for cardfighting,” Thorax said.

"They seem usable, we'll get better tables over time," Ember said, "Change of subject, where's Spike?"

"I don't know, he said he was going to recruit more members, why did it take so long?" Thorax wondered, but at that moment they heard a knock on the door.

"Umm, could you open the door, I don't have the key," they heard Spike's voice.

Ember (who had the key) opened the door for him and Spike entered, "Wow, what a great room, with those tables it could be a good place."

"And how did your search for the remaining members go?" Ember asked.

"It was a hit," Spike answered excitedly, "You can come in girls."

Spike entered the room along with 2 girls which Thorax recognized.

“Toola Roola and Coconut Cream?” Thorax asked surprised.

“Hello Thorax, looks like we'll be clubmates,” said Coconut Cream.

“I was certainly surprised, I didn't think you would like to join a new club,” said Thorax.

“Well, days ago we asked Spike to teach us how to play better, so we thought joining the club would be the best option,” said Toola Roola.

“And we'll be better Cardfighters,” said Coconut Cream.

Hearing that, Ember approached Coconut Cream and stared at her, several seconds passed reaching the point of making Coconut Cream uncomfortable.

"Hey, why is the blue haired girl staring at her?" Toola Roola asked Spike who didn't know what to answer since he barely knew Ember.

“Umm, can I help you?” Coconut Cream asked nervously.

Ember stopped staring at her after a few seconds, "They're telling the truth."

"What?"

"I'm sorry about that, but I needed to check if they really had the ambition of a Cardfighter, but listening to them and analyzing you, I can see that you take it seriously, so you have my approval to join, my name is Ember" Ember introduced herself to the which they smiled.

“Wow, thank you so much Ember I'm flattered,” said Coconut Cream.

“You can say it again,” Toola Roola added.

"Well Thorax, what do you say?" Spike asked.

"Are you kidding, it would be an honor for you two to join the Cardfighting Club," said Thorax to which the 2 girls smiled with excitement again.

"Then it's official, welcome to the club," Spike congratulated them.

"Thanks Spike," they both said at the same time and then gave Spike a big hug.

"Hehehe," Spike giggled nerviously as he felt the embrace of 2 girls that weren't his sister, Cadence, or his mother.

Ember for some reason felt a bit of anger upon witnessing the scene, but she controlled herself as best she could and separated Toola Roola and Coconut Cream from Spike, "Okay girls, let's not let our leader run out of air. ”





After several minutes, the club was already full, but they still had to have the authorization of the student council, so they went to his office, it was not difficult to find it since there was a sign on the door that said student council.

"Well, now we just need to get the club approved," Spike said and was about to knock on the door, but then he stopped and turned to Thorax, "Hey buddy, how about you knock on the door?"

"What?" Thorax asked, "Why don't you do it?"

"I'm not going to do it, you're 1 year older, you would be taken seriously," Spike replied, "Besides it scares me, I heard the student council is scary."

“I can confirm, they denied my idea of ​​starting an art club due to lack of members,” said Toola Roola as she lowered her head.

“Oh, sorry Roola,” Coconut Cream told her.

"Well I'm not going to knock on the door," Thorax said, "You're not the only coward here."

The 2 looked at Toola Roola and Coconut Cream who took a step back, they weren't going to knock on the door either.

"Oh for the love of Dragonic Overlord," Ember said as she knocked on the door.

knock.

knock.

“Come on, it wasn't that hard,” Ember told them.

After a few seconds, the door opened and they were greeted by a green-haired girl with headphones, "Hello, my name is Lemon Zest, student council member, can I help you with something?"

Spike had been silent for several seconds, but finally decided to speak, "Hello, let me introduce myself, I'm Spike, and we've come to ask the council for authorization to found our school club."

Lemon smiled, "Oh, I understand, sure, come on in, I'm sure the council will accept it, since I see you have the required members and a permit from Headmistress Cadence."

"Oh, thank you very much," Spike thanked her and then he and his friends entered.

Upon entering, they felt the atmosphere change suddenly, they knew that Crystal Prep was characterized as a serious and strict school, and the council office was a clear representation of those ideas.

The club members as they moved forward realized that the council members were looking at them with a serious expression as if something bad was going to happen.

“Tchh, what a nuisance,” Ember muttered.

Arriving at the main desk, they saw that the president was waiting for them, she was drinking tea, after taking a sip she greeted them, “Tea is very good, especially in the mornings and in a school with good order. ”

The Cardfighting Club members didn't know what to say, but she continued.

"However, I think you don't come to hear my sermons, in any case let's continue to what matters," said the president, "My name is Sugarcoat, student council president, how can I help you?"

Nervously, Spike stepped forward, "Nice to meet you, I'm Spike."

“Wait a minute, I know this brat, he's Twilight Sparkle's little brother, this is going to be interesting,” Sugarcoat thought.

“We'd like to start a new school club, please,” Spike said cordially to Sugarcoat, handing her a sheet containing information about the Cardfighting Club.

Sugarcoat began to read it carefully.

As he did so, other members of the council began to murmur in a not at all discreet way since they could easily hear each other.

"Hey, isn't she the girl who tried to start an art club?" one of the girls pointed to Toola Roola making fun of her.

She, hearing that insult, decided to ignore them, but another girl approached her.

"Do you have any problem?" said another girl clenching her fists, "Because that can be fixed."

Coconut Cream was going to jump to defend her, but Lemon Zest beat her to it.

“Sunny Flare, Sour Sweet, you shouldn't look down on other students, I suggest you get back to work,” Lemon Zest ordered.

“Grr, you're lucky I'm in a good mood today,” Sour Sweet said as she and Sunny Flare returned to their respective desks.

“Thank you,” Toola Roola and Coconut Cream silently thanked for not drawing attention to themselves.

Lemon just smiled at them.

After several minutes, the president spoke, "Everything seems fine."

Spike smiled upon hearing that.

“A club where students can learn the Cardfight Vanguard game sounds like an interesting idea to me,” said Sugarcoat.

Ember and Thorax bumped fists at that.

"Thank you President Sugarcoat, I swear that…" Spike said but was interrupted by President Sugarcoat.

“However, I deny you permission.”

"What?" the 5 members of the Cardfight Club asked at the same time.

"In other words to your lesser minds," Sugarcoat told them, "Permission denied."

"But why?" Spike asked concerned.

“Crystal Prep is a school known for its prestige, I'm not going to tarnish that prestige with a club that doesn't bring anything academic or athletic, in other words, your club isn't necessary,” Sugarcoat told them.

“Yes, there are sports clubs that are much better than what you guys plan,” said a girl with blue hair and glasses on her forehead. Her name is Indigo Zap.

"And we don't have room here for your little kids' game," Sour Sweet told them, "So now you know where the exit is, I recommend you leave now."

Spike and Thorax felt bad, Toola Roola and Coconut Cream lowered their heads, but Ember was filled with anger hearing the insults from the student council girls, they could insult her, but insult their friends, that was something she did not tolerate .

"Hey show a little more respect, Spike followed all your ridiculous rules to create this club," Ember told them.

“She's right, and we have to do our job by following the rules,” Lemon Zest told Sugarcoat.

"Lemon, is there a need for a Cardfight Club in this school?" Sugarcoat asked.

"Excuse me?" asked Lemon Zest.

"Is it necessary to have a club about a silly game that no one knows about?"

“Hey don't bring her into this, your argument is with me,” Ember interjected.

"Hey girls I think we need to calm down and discuss this like civilized people," Spike said but at that, Ember and Sugarcoat glared at him causing Spike to hide behind Thorax, "Ahh, sorry."

"Seriously? use me as a human shield?” Thorax asked.

“If we could clarify,” said Coconut Cream.

“Yes, Vanguard is a game that has gained high prestige to the point that there are worldwide competitions,” added Toola Roola.

"You're right Sugarcoat, it says so here," Lemon Zest showed him a newspaper article talking about Vanguard, "Besides, it seems that they received permission from Principal Cadence, as a student council it is our duty to give them a chance to prove that they deserve to have a club."

Sugarcoat grunted, "Gahh, okay, I'm going to authorize the club's application, but on one condition."

The members were attentive to what he was going to say.

"You need prestige, only with that, you will be able to found the club, because with that you will be able to be recognized."

“And how do we gain prestige?” Spike asked.

“You have to compete against another school, and win the competition, only then will you get approval from the council,” Sugarcoat told them.

Spike looked at his friends, who nodded seriously, "Then it's settled, we accept."

"Very well, you can withdraw for now, the council will be in charge of choosing the school with which you will compete," Lemon Zest told them, leading them out.

"Thank you so much, Lemon, for standing up for us," Spike thanked her.

“It was nothing and I apologize for the attitude of the others, they just have a little power and think they can do anything,” Lemon told them, “I just hope she doesn't choose a very strong school.”

Spike smiled, "We don't care if he picks a strong school."

“Because we will fight with everything and we will win,” continued Thorax.

“An easy challenge would be an insult to us,” Ember finished, while Toola Roola and Coconut Cream nodded nervously.

The Cardfighting Club joined hands, "Let's go with everything"





A few hours later, Sugarcoat was on the phone.

“Ok, thank you very much for accepting.”

"On the contrary, thanks for inviting us, a competition would be nice," a voice answered on the phone.

Sugarcoat hung up.

“Hehe, it looks like you really don't want them to start the Cardfighting Club,” Sunny Flare told him with a laugh.

Lemon Zest frowned seeing what the others were planning.

“I bet they'll be surprised when they find out the school they're going to compete with is a military academy, I like your style,” Indigo Zap told him.

“Thank you, no detail is lost on me,” Sugarcoat replied.

“Hey, this is really necessary,” Lemon Zest said, “I mean, we're just dealing with a new school club, it's not like they're delinquents we need to stop, they're just students who want to share their passion for cardfighting. ”

“I appreciate your concern, Lemon Zest,” Sugarcoat said, then changed to an evil look, “But I'm pretty sure we're not going to get much good out of that club at this school, and when they lose the competition we'll open their eyes, that in this new World……. THERE ARE NO PLACE FOR GAMES.”

The student council (with the exception of Lemon Zest) began to laugh at that statement.





Spike was at home, he was organizing his deck with new cards from an expansion that had come out yesterday.

"Very well, we have to take this seriously, otherwise our club will be disbanded."

But he was not going to let his passion be trampled on, he and his friends would fight to fulfill their goals, waiting for tomorrow that would bring him surprises.

STAND UP THE VANGUARD.
> Crystal Prep VS Wonderbolt Academy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the gym at Crystal Prep.

The Cardfighting Club was waiting for the arrival of the club from the school they were going to compete with.

Needless to say, most of the members were nervous, as the fate of their club depended on their skill and luck.

“They're here,” Sugarcoat arrived, “Okay, the rival team has arrived.”

“To clarify, if we beat them, you will approve our club, right?” Ember asked.

“That's right, but if you lose, your club will be dissolved instantly,” Sugarcoat replied with a smile.

Spike and Ember glared at her.

“Then we won't lose,” Ember said.

“That's right, let's go all out Crystal Prep, let's fight like it's our last day alive,” Spike said trying to cheer up the club, but Sugarcoat glared at him.

"Um, sorry, I got emotional," Spike said.

"That is the spirit," Thorax told him, "That is why you are our leader."

Toola Roola and Coconut Cream came over and at the same time said, "We'll do our best."

Ember just gave a thumbs up.

Spike smiled seeing the team ready to give their 100%.

"I see you know how to behave as a team, that's a good sign," they heard a voice, the club and Sugarcoat turned to see Twilight and her friends approaching.

"Twilight," Spike said.

“We're here to cheer you on, if you don't mind,” Twi said as her friends nodded.

“No, go ahead,” Thorax told them.

“It's always good to have moral support,” added Ember.

"Thanks Twi," Spike thanked her.

"You're welcome Spike, now go, show how strong your club is," Twilight said.

At that moment there was a knock on the door.

knock.

knock.

“It is them, Cardfighting Club, they will be your opponents,” Sugarcoat said as she opened the door.

When it opened, the members of the club they would face entered.

Seeing their uniforms they realized something.

“Wait a minute, they're from a military school,” Thorax said in surprise.

“Oh no,” Coconut Cream said when she found out.

“Hehe, this is going to be fun,” Ember said with a smile.

"How can you say that? They look very tough,” Toola Roola asked.

“The tougher they are, the better the fight,” Ember replied, excited because she was going to face what she knew were future soldiers, more so because there were 2 girls with them.





In the stands Twi was with her friends.

"They call a military school," Moondancer said, "This is unfair."

"Yeah, it's obvious the student council wants Spike, Thorax and the others to lose," Twinkleshine added.

"What's their problem?" Minette asked.

"Obviously not a single problem, they have a lot," Lyra replied.

"Should we do something?" Lemon Hearts asked, "I mean, we're witnesses."

Twilight Sparkle thought about it, but then smiled, "No, doing that would be like declaring that my little brother and his friends don't have the ability to take them on."

The girls looked at Twi, she trusted Spike a lot.

“I know they can win, no matter who their opponents are,” Twilight Sparkle said making all of her friends smile in agreement.





Spike was a bit quiet, seeing only 4 members, but then the last one came in.

"Sorry for the delay, I was at the wrong door."

"It can't be," Spike, Ember, and Thorax exclaimed at the same time as they saw who the fifth member was.

"Flash," Spike greeted him.

"Hey Spike, it's been a while," Flash Sentry greeted, bumping his fists.

“Well, it hasn't been that long, but it's good to see you again,” Thorax told him.

“I guess you're the leader,” Ember added.

“That's right, and I'm glad to see you too, Thorax, Ember, I'm the leader of my club, it was a small club, but I managed to make it official,” Flash told them.

"Fascinating," Spike replied.

But at that moment.

PAFFFT.

“Gyahh,” Spike yelled as he was pushed away by Twilight Sparkle.

"Flash, hello, how are you?" Twilight greeted him smiling while blushing.

Flash blushed and replied nervously, "Oh, Twilight, Im fine, I've done well, hehe, what about you?"

"Hey Romeo, you better concentrate, we don't want you to see hearts when you're playing," Soarin yelled at him annoyed.

"I'm sorry," Twi and Flash apologized at the same time.

"Well, one thing you should know is that I saw Shining Armor," Flash told them.

"Shiny?" Twilight asked in surprise.

"Actually Shining Armor is the new coach in our club."

“He is being the coach of your club?” asked Spike who was still on the ground.

"Yeah, I told him about the duel you had, he knew you'd make it," Flash said as he helped Spike to get up.

But at that moment Flash stopped smiling and put on a serious face, "And given their situation with your club, I'm sorry you have to fight us and win to make it official."

The entire Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club had been silent for several seconds, not knowing what to say.

But at that moment Spike spoke up, "No matter what happens, we don't want sympathy."

Flash watched Spike closely.

“We're going to win no matter what, so you better play with all their might,” Ember said.

“Otherwise, you will insult our club if you go easy on us,” Thorax added.

Flash Sentry smiled at how passionate they were, he knew he shouldn't go easy on them, and he knew they were serious, "Very well, I wish you luck."

Flash walked over to where his club was, "You heard guys, let's fight with all our might."

“Flash we're going to play cards, not punch kids,” the orange-haired girl told him.

“I know, it's an expression, I guess,” Flash answered.

At that time, all the student council members entered the gymnasium, they were carrying a board with the names of the members.

"Very well, we'll explain how this works," Sunny Flare said.

“And pay attention, because we don't like to repeat things,” added Sour Sweet.

“This will be a team battle, the format will be 1 VS 1 battles,” said Indigo Zap.

"Each team must choose a Cardfighter, the Cardfighter who wins the battle, will continue fighting until defeated, when one is defeated they will not be able to compete again, when the 5 members of a team are defeated, it will be a victory for the other team," Lemon Zest said.

"Ok, this format benefits us, so everyone can fight without pressure, we must plan a good strategy," Spike thought.

“You have to think about it, we can't send the best players at the beginning, that could give us a starting advantage but in the end it could hurt us,” thought Thorax.

Toola Roola analyzed the situation when seeing the students of the military academy.

Coconut Cream whispered, "Don't worry, they look intimidating, but they haven't seen us play yet."

Ember spoke to the club, "Very well we have to choose one of us to go first and we also have to leave the strongest last."

“I think I know who to leave at the end,” Spike said.

“I agree,” Thorax agreed.

"I think it's the most obvious," Ember said.

“The last one should be the strongest,” said Coconut Cream.

"And the strongest is..." said Toola Roola and the others continued his sentence.

"Ember," Spike and Thorax said at the same time.

"Spike," Ember and Coconut Cream said at the same time.

"What?" Ember and Spike asked at the same time.

"Why you consider me the strongest, you haven't even seen me play," Ember told Spike.

"Well, you work in a card shop, you must have more experience in this because since I started playing, the only opponent I've had is Thorax," Spike said.

“I must remind you that you defeated Garble,” Ember told him.

“Hey, that was only one time, plus I only beat him because I get a Critical at just the right time,” Spike replied.

But then Thorax stepped in and stopped the discussion, "Spike, I think Ember is right."

"Huh?"

"I know you don't feel capable and you're nervous, but you're strong, that's undeniable, and that Critical wasn't luck, it was because you trusted your deck."

"Thorax, I..." Spike was interrupted by Toola Roola.

"Besides, the fact that you had the courage to found the club, no one here would have dared."

"And you started all this, it's only fair that you finish it," added Coconut Cream.

Spike was touched that his team believed in him, "I, I don't know what to say, but, I will, I'll be the last."

Everyone nodded.

“If you don't mind, I'd like to go first,” Toola Roola told them to which they all nodded, “I'll go all out and my victory will give you an advantage.”

“That's the way you talk girl,” Coconut Cream told her.

“Then it is decided,” Ember said, “Go get them Roola.”

Toola Roola nodded.

“Okay, if everyone is ready, it's time to start,” Lemon Zest announced.

At that moment, Indigo Zap and Sour Sweet approached with a table and several chairs, that table was where Vanguard was going to play.

“Seriously, shall we play there?” Spike asked.

"Why, do you have a problem?" Sour Sweet asked angrily.

"Well, for a fight between 2 clubs, I guess that table isn't..." Spike spoke up, but was cut off when Thorax covered his mouth, "Mphhm mphp."

“Don't listen to him, we're fine, hehe,” Thorax laughed nervously.

“Umm, ok, then the battle begins,” Lemon Zest announced.

“Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club VS Wonderbolt Academy Cardfighting Club.”





“Come on Crystal Prep, come on Flash Sentry,” Twilight Sparkle encouraged.

"Umm, Flash is part of the rival team," Moondancer told her.

"Oh, I forgot, hehe," Twilight laughed nervously, hoping they would believe her lie.





"We ask that the first Cardfighters to fight come forward," Sugarcoat ordered.

“Good luck Toola Roola,” Coconut Cream told her.

"Yeah, break a leg," Spike told her.

"Isn't that a bad thing?" Ember asked.

"Ember, it is an expression," Thorax replied.

“Oh,” Ember answered.

“Em hehe, I'll do my best,” Toola Roola said as she approached.

"Look, they're going to send that little girl for the first battle," said the girl with orange hair, "What do you think big man, I think you should be the one with the honors of being the first."

"I sure do," answered the taller boy with blue hair in a military cut who approached the table.

"Don't worry Roola, you're going to beat him easily," Spike told her.

But at that moment, the tall boy took off his jacket revealing his muscles as he gave a war cry, "Hyahhhh."

That made Spike and Toola Roola freak out.

"Umm, I mean, good luck," Spike said nervously as he sped off.

The tall boy took out a long pink and white striped scarf and put it on, "My name is Spearhead, the eldest of the group, it is an honor to open the first battle with you, miss."

“Oh, how flattering,” Toola Roola said, no longer flustered at the fact that her opponent was chivalrous.

But after a few moments, Toola Roola realized something, "Wait a minute, did you say your name was Spearhead?"

Spearhead nodded.

“Oh my gosh its you,” exclaimed Roola excitedly, “I'm a fan of your work.”

"Spearhead, what is that girl talking about?" Flash Sentry asked.

"Well, I'm kind of an underground artist," Spearhead answered as he put his hand to the back of his neck, "And I've left some of my paintings in the museum."

“Your paintings have inspired me to continue my passion of being an artist, my name is Toola Roola and it is an honor to fight against you.”

Spearhead smiled, he don't expect his opponent to be one of his fans, he didn't even know he had fans.

"Wow, who would have thought," Spike said.

“Congratulations Spearhead, someone seems to have recognized that crap you make as art,” Soarin told him.

“You just have a closed aura that isn't capable of sensing the vibes my paintings convey,” Spearhead replied.





“Things got really interesting, the battle hasn't started and it's already a show,” said Twilight Sparkle.

“I found it here, one of Spearhead paints,” Lyra Heartstrings said as she showed them a photo on her phone, “This is his best painting, a thousand nights in a hallway.”



The girls didn't know what to say when they saw how simple that painting looked.

“Wow, I guess nighttime in a hallway can be pretty dark,” Moondancer said nervously, not knowing how to respond.





“Hey could you guys stop talking nonsenses and get started, it's already annoying that I have to stay and oversee this match,” Sour Sweet said.

“I'm sorry,” Toola Roola and Spearhead apologized at the same time and went to the table to take their respective seats.

“Alright, it's time for the first battle to begin,” Lemon Zest announced, “From Crystal Prep, Toola Roola.”

Toola Roola nodded and placed her deck on the table and her Vanguard card face down.

"And from Wonderbolt Academy, Spearhead."

Spearhead nodded and placed his deck on the table and his Vanguard card face down.

The 2 shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards.

“I will return 2 cards,” said Toola Roola as she returned 2 cards to her deck, shuffled and drew another 2, she smiled at what came out.

“I'll return 1 card,” Spearhead said as he returned 1 card to her deck, shuffled and drew another, he showed no expression as he drew it.

“Very well if you are ready then, STAND UP, VANGUARD” said Lemon Zest and the others continued.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

Toola Roola: 0/6 Damage
Spearhead: 0/6 Damage

Toola Roola's card was a kind of clown girl with 2 brushes in her hands, which seemed to be stained with blood, the makeup on her face was completely white except for one of her eyes, which was painted red, "CHAOS PAINT CLOWN.” (PWR4000/G0)





Spike, Ember and Thorax's eyes widened when they found out about the clan Toola Roola was using.

"Pale Moon," Spike said in surprise.

“Pale Moon, the circus of nightmares, I did not expect Roola to choose that clan,” Thorax said.

"Well, she didn't know it was a circus of nightmares, and she bought that deck because she liked the design of the units," said Coconut Cream.





Spearhead's card was an anthropomorphic gray pegasus with red eyes who had black armor, he carried a spear and like Spearhead he also wore a scarf, "DARK PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR6000/G0)





“Shadow Paladdin,” Spike exclaimed, surprised to see the clan Spearhead was using.

“The clan that sacrifices their units to win,” Thorax said nervously.

"Is that clan so dangerous?" Coconut Cream asked.

“Oh yeah,” Ember said.

"That clan is almost the opposite of the one Flash uses and I think it's the exact opposite of the one my brother uses, too," Spike said through gritted teeth.





"Pale Moon? Yes, it's a surprise, but don't think you can easily defeat the forces of the Shadow Paladdin clan,” Spearhead said.

Toola Roola just looked at him with a serious face, she trusted her Pale Moons and she knew they wouldn't let her down.
> A Battle Between Artists
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The battle between Toola Roola and Spearhead had begun, this was one of many battles that would decide the fate of the Cardfight Club.

"Well, ladies first," Spearhead told Toola Roola.

"Ooh, how gentlemanly, very well, I'll take the first turn if you don't mind, I Ride" said Toola Roola and then placed a card on top of Chaos Paint Clown, it was a kind of clown girl, similar to Chaos Paint Clown, but this was taller and instead of having 2 brushes stained with blood, she had a huge brush the size of a bazooka which was stained with blood, "NECRO PAINT CLOWN." (PWR8000/G1)

Spearhead watched carefully, he didn't underestimate Toola Roola, he knew that if he wasn't careful, he could be in trouble.





Meanwhile in the stands.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends were in the stands, but they couldn't see what was happening since the table where the Cardfight was taking place was far away.

“Twilight, I don't think we're going to be able to see anything sitting here,” Twinkleshine told her.

"I can't see what's going on either," Twilight Sparkle replied, adjusting her glasses, "I think Toola Roola did a normal summon, wait, I think she evolved her unit."

"This is ridiculous, shouldn't there be holograms of the units so viewers can see the action, or maybe they should have some sort of wrist device where the cardfighter can put their cards and play anywhere without the need of a table? Lyra asked.

“I think that's from an anime, Lyra,” Moondancer replied, “The closest thing we have is specialized tables that use the Motion Figure System, a device that uses holograms that produces 3D models of the units in a Cardfight, but they are huge, they occupy a lot of area in a space and therefore they are very expensive.”

The girls stared at him in surprise that Moondancer knew all this.

“Don't look at me like that, I've done my research, which you should do, especially you Twilight, I know you keep confusing the card games,” Moondancer told them and continued, “Anyway, a cheaper option would be the use of the VF Gloves , some special gloves that allow to improve the connection with the Cardfighter's imagination, generating a not so good projection of the units in 3D in cheaper and more rudimentary tables, the only problem is that they can only be used in large areas such as gyms and for reasons of lighting, you cannot play outside in an open space.”

“Wow, I can only say that I love technology,” was the only thing Minuette could reply when listening to Moondancer.

“Ughh, I guess watching from here wasn't such a good idea,” Sunny Flare said.

Hearing her, the girls turned around, they didn't know that the student council sat in the same place.

“I told you we weren't going to observe anything without a Motion Figure System,” Lemon Zest told them.

“I'm not going to spend a penny of the budget,” Sugarcoat responded, “There are better things to spend that money on.”

“Yeah, like your coffee pot, hehe,” Indigo Zap sneered.

“Even so,” Sugarcoat said with a pout.

“I think we need to go for chairs to get a closer look at Cardfight,” Sour Sweet said, then she frowned, “Besides these seats are hurting my butt.”

Said and done, the student council and the other girls went for chairs to get closer and see the battle more closely.

"Hey," Twilight said, pulling her seat closer to Spike's.

"Hehe, hello Twi, let me guess, no one thought it would be boring to see 2 people laying cards on a table in the distance."

“Hehe, you're right, I hope you don't mind me sitting here, but I'd like you to explain to me what's going on,” Twilight told him.

Spike nodded with a smile, "It would be my pleasure, sister."

"Well, the first question I would like to ask you brother, which clan is the one using Toola Roola?"

“Pale Moon, a circus of nightmares specializing in Soul Charging and Soul Blasting for tricky effects,” Spike replied, making Twi a little confused.

“Soul…Blast?” Twilight asked.

"Oh, sorry Twi, I didn't explain earlier, Soul Charge is an effect that lets you place units under the Vanguard," Spike told her.

"Oh I see, and I guess Soul Blast is removing several of those units to have a devastating effect, I imagine the more cards removed from the Soul, the more powerful the effect will be," Twilight deduced.

"Very good Twi, that's right, keep it up and you won't confuse the card games anymore," Spike congratulated her.

"That only happened 2 times, Spike," Twilight told him with a pout.

"6 times you mean," Spike scoffed.

Twi blushed and then didn't say anything, just sat down to watch the Cardfight.





“I can activate the Necro Paint Clown skill, if I have another copy of it in my hand, I can show it to you,” said Toola Roola as she showed Spearhead the copies of Necro Paint Clown in her hand, which not only had one , she had 2.

“Since I have 2 I can activate his skill 2 times, I Soul Charge,” Toola Roola said as she placed the copies of her units on her Vanguard, below of course, that was a Soul Charge, “And with this, I can search my deck 2 Grade 2 Pale Moon cards and take them to my hand.”

"Nice move," Spearhead told her.

“Thank you,” replied Toola Roola as she added 2 copies of the same card to her hand, which seemed to be an older version of Necro Paint Clown, only this one wore some kind of strange hat, its name was Chaos Paint Harlequin.

"That's it, the rules state that the first player can't attack on the first turn, so I end my turn," said Toola Roola.





“Good move Roola, you have your Soul loaded now,” Coconut Cream told her.

“Keep it up and you'll win,” Spike told her.





"My turn, now Ride," Spearhead said as he drew a card from his deck, then set down a card similar to Dark Pegasus Knight, only this one had better armor and was surrounded by black flames, "SHADOW PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR8000/G1)

“Shadow Pegasus Knight skill, as long as Dark Pegasus Knight is in soul, I can search my deck for Phantom Pegasus Knight,” Spearhead said as he searched his deck and added a unit to his hand, very similar to Shadow Pegasus Knight, only that it had a ghostly aura surrounding it.

“He also managed to find his next card,” Toola Roola thought.

At that moment, Spearhead placed Shadow Pegasus Knight in landscape mode, "I will now attack Necro Paint Clown with Shadow Pegasus Knight."

Toola Roola thought about it for a moment, but decided to let the attack pass, "No Guard."

"Drive Trigger check," Spearhead said as he drew a card from his deck, he smiled when he saw what he drew, a pegasus-like creature with black wings, "GHOST WING, A DRAW TRIGGER."

“Ugh, it's a good thing i dont use a guard,” Toola Roola said with relief.

“I power up my Vanguard, though it's not necessary, and I draw a card,” Spearhead said as he drew an extra card from his deck.

“Damage Trigger check,” Toola Roola said as she placed a normal unit into her Damage Zone.

Toola Roola: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 0/6 Damage

“Alright, its my turn, Ride” said Toola Roola as she drew a new card from her deck and placed another in her Vanguard, it was the card she looked for earlier, “CHAOS PAINT HARLEQUIN.” (PWR10000/G2)

“Chaos Paint Harlequin Skill, when it enters the field I can reveal a Pale Moon in my hand and add it to Soul, Soul Charge,” Toola Roola said as she souled the other copy of Chaos Paint Harlequin.

Spearhead looked at her carefully, he felt that what was approaching was dangerous.

“And I can activate an additional effect,” Toola Roola said.

“Since the card I added to the Soul had the same name as my Vanguard I can activate its second skill, which you won't be able to defend yourself with this turn,” Toola Roola said smiling.

Spearhead was right.





"Hey that's unfair," the yellow-skinned girl with orange hair said.

“There must be a rule against that,” added the blue-skinned girl with silver hair.

"No, the truth is not that simple," Soarin said, "But that is possible, that girl is playing fair."

"That's right, in Vanguard, the cards don't have set rules," Flash Sentry added with a straight face, "The cards themselves are the rules."





Spearhead frowned, "Damn, I was careless, now she's taking the lead."

“Now Call,” said Toola Roola as she placed 2 units of the same name in the front row, they looked like a guy in tights with a black suit, but what stood out the most was that they had bat wings, “MOONSHADOW ACROBAT.” (PWR9000/G2)X2





"Way to go, Toola Roola," Spike encouraged.

“Hit him with everything,” Ember told her.

"This is a good sign," Thorax thought.

“Good, Toola Roola, keep it up, remember what we trained,” Coconut Cream told her.





“Thanks guys, I plan to go all out from the start to corner him,” Toola Roola told them.

“I am now going to attack your Vanguard with one of my Moonshadow Acrobats,” Toola Roola said as she positioned her unit horizontally.

“Tshhh, Damage Trigger check,” Spearhead said knowing he couldn't defend herself this turn, so he placed a unit in his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”

Toola Roola: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 1/6 Damage

“Now I'm going to attack your Vanguard with my second Moonshadow Acrobat,” Toola Roola said as she placed her unit horizontally.

"Damage Trigger check," Speahead drew another card from his deck and placed it into his Damage Zone, he frowned as it was another normal unit, "No Trigger."

Toola Roola: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 2/6 Damage

“Now I'm going to attack with my Vanguard, come on, Chaos Paint Harlequin,” Toola Roola said as she brought her Vanguard horizontally, “Come on Trigger.”

“Drive Trigger check,” said Toola Roola as she took a card out of her deck and added it to her hand, she smiled when she saw what came out, on the card was a guy who looked like a circus animal tamer, “DEMON BEAST TAMER, CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

“Yeah, it means it has extra damage,” Toola Roola said excitedly.

"WHAT?" Spearhead asked surprised by how lucky her opponent was, "Grr, Damage Trigger first check."

Spearhead placed a card in his Damage Zone, when he saw it he felt a little relieved, "GHOST WING, DRAW TRIGGER."

Spearhead drew an extra card and added it to his hand, then put the next card from his deck into his Damage Zone, "Second check."

Spearhead smiled again as he got another Draw Trigger, only this unit had the image of what appeared to be a thief in black cloaks stealing a treasure, "KING OF THIEVES, DRAW TRIGGER."

Spearhead again drew another card from his deck and added it to his hand.
-
“This is amazing, Toola Roola has him on the ropes,” Spike said.

But Ember had a straight face, she knew how dangerous the Shadow Paladdin were.





"Damn, those Triggers were too late," Soarin said.

“But Spearhead can still work wonders with what he's got,” Flash Sentry told him.





“And with this I end my turn,” said Toola Roola.

Toola Roola: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 4/6 Damage

“My turn, Stand and Draw,” Spearhead said as he uprighted his Vanguard and drew a card from his deck.

"Don't think you're winning me, shadow vibes run through my artist veins, Ride," Spearhead said as he placed the card he sought on his first turn into his Vanguard, "PHANTOM PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR10000/G2)

“If Shadow Pegasus Knight is in my soul, I can draw an extra card,” Spearhead said as he drew a card from his deck.

“Now i Call another copy of Phantom Pegasus Knight,” he said as he placed the unit in the upper right corner. (PWR10000/G2)

"Now I'll call again," Spearhead placed in the upper left corner a card that looked like some sort of Archer in a black cloak, "ARCHER OF THE GALE." (PWR10000/G2)

“Archer's skill, when he hits the field, I'll take out a unit of yours, say goodbye to one of your Moonshadow Acrobats,” Spearhead said.

Toola Roola frowned, then she placed one of her Acrobats in the Drop Zone.

“If I pay for a Counter Blast, I can use the skill a second time,” Spearhead said with a smile.

“OH, COME ON,” Toola Roola exclaimed placing her other Acrobat in the Drop Zone.

"I'll make another Call, but these won't stay long in the field." he placed in the back row 2 units which looked like simple versions of Pegasus Knight but with lighter armor, "DARK PEGASUS SQUIRE." (PWR7000/G1)X2

Spearhead placed his Pegasus Squire in the Drop Zone, “Now I activate their Skill, they will sacrifice themselves so my rear-guards can hit harder, by sending them to the Drop Zone, my rear-guards gain an extra Critical and increase their power by 10000.”

"Say what?" asked Toola Roola scared.

“Phantom Pegasus Knight Skill,” Spearhead took the Pegasus Squires from the Drop Zone and placed them into his hand, then flipped the remaining 3 cards in his Damage Zone, “By paying a Counter Blast of 3 I can take 2 Shadow Paladdin units from the Drop Zone and add them to my hand.”





"Oh no, this guy took advantage of the damage Toola Roola dealt him to build his combo," Spike said startled.

“And the worst thing is that now his front units with the exception of his Vanguard have an extra Critical,” Thorax added.





“My turn to attack, and it will be Cosmic,” Spearhead said as he swung his Archer horizontally, “I will attack with Archer of the Gale” (PWR20000)

Knowing that the attack had an extra Critical, Toola Roola did not hesitate to defend herself, "Guard."

She placed Demon Beast Tamer in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)

"You saved yourself, but you won't from my Vanguard's attack," Spearhead said as he brought her Vanguard horizontally, "I attack with Phantom Pegasus Knight."

“Grrr, I can't spend all the cards in my hand, and his Vanguard is the only unit that doesn't have an extra Critical, the best option would be to take the damage and hope he doesn't get a Trigger,” Toola Roola thought, “No Guard.”

“Drive Trigger check,” Spearhead pulled out a card, “Looks like today is your lucky day, miss.”

It was a normal unit.

Toola Roola put a card from her deck into the Damage Zone.

"Damage Trigger check," seeing her she frowned, "Damn, there is no Trigger."

Toola Roola: 2/6 Damage
Spearhead: 4/6 Damage

At least I managed to keep my damage to a minimum, Toola Roola thought.

"You're not safe yet, there's nothing darker than a triple strike," Spearhead said theatrically as he swung his final rear-guard horizontally, "I strike now."

“Guard, I'm not taking 2 damage,” Toola Roola said as she placed another copy of Demon Beast Tamer into the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)

“Okay, I guess my turn is over,” Spearhead said.





"I know we're fighting for our club, but this battle is exciting," Spike said.

“Yes, you can feel the adrenaline,” Coconut Cream replied.

“Looks like they're even,” Twilight Sparkle said.

“Twi, I think you need to clean your glasses,” Lyra told her.

“Yeah, Toola Roola is obviously ahead, her opponent has 4 damage and she only has 2,” Lemon Hearts added.

“No, wait a minute, pay attention,” Moondancer told them knowingly.

“That's right Moondancer, Toola Roola has kept her damage to a minimum by using several cards from her hand to defend herself,” Twilight Sparkle said, pointing at Toola Roola's hand.

“She only has 4 cards in her hand,” Twinkleshine said worriedly.

“And look at Spearhead,” Twilight pointed out.

"Oh my pearls," Minuette exclaimed in fright, "He has 9 cards in his hand."

“I see you noticed,” Ember said.





“I'm not holding back, Stand and Draw,” Toola Roola said as she drew a card from her deck and placed her Vanguard vertically.

"Ride, my most powerful unit" Toola Roola placed a card in her Vanguard, it was a superior version of Chaos Paint Harlequin, but it had a sinister smile and more blood on her outfit, "NIGHTMARE PAINT JOKER." (PWR12000/G3)





“Its here, very well Roola,” Coconut Cream congratulated her.

“That unit can strengthen it?” Spike asked.

“On the contrary, it will weaken her opponents,” replied Coconut Cream.





“Spearhead, be careful,” Flash yelled.





“Call,” Toola Roola said as she front rowed 2 units of the same name, “NECROSHADE SHOWMAN.” (PWR12000/G3)X2
“I will now activate Nightmare Paint Joker's Skill, Soul Blast,” Toola Roola said as she placed 5 cards of her soul into the Drop Zone.

"Well, they are already in the Drop Zone, what is supposed to happen?" Spearhead asked.

“Your Vanguard's power is reduced to 0,” Toola Roola told him with a smile.

"WHAT?" Spearhead asked in surprise.





"WHAT?" all the members of the Wonderbolt Academy Cardfighting Club asked in equal surprise.





"Oh yes," Coconut Cream said, "This is Toola Roola's true power."





“And this isn't over yet, my Necroshade Showman have a skill you might like,” Toola Roola said as Spearhead looked at her with a straight face.

“If this turn has been a Soul Blast, they gain 1000 for each card sent to the Drop Zone,” continued Toola Roola.

"It can't be," Spearhead said.

“And since I sent 5, then it will be 5000 more power to my rear-guards.” (PWR 17000)

“NOW I ATTACK WITH ONE OF MY SHOWMAN,” Toola Roola said as she placed her unit horizontally.

“Damn my Vanguard is at 0, I have to do something,” Spearhead thought, but in the end the only thing he could do to save his hand was accept the damage, “Damage Trigger check.”

“Damn, no Trigger,” Spearhead said as he placed a normal unit in the Damage Zone.

Toola Roola: 2/6 Damage
Spearhead: 5/6 Damage





“Just one more Toola Roola, one more and victory is yours,” Thorax encouraged.





"NIGHTMARE PAINT JOKER, GO," Toola Roola attacked with her Vanguard.

“I won't allow it,” Spearhead said as he placed a card in the Guard Zone.

“MIRROR SHIELD, PERFECT GUARD.” (SHDL 0)

“Grrr, Twin Drive, first check,” Toola Roola growled knowing his attack wouldn't pass after she pulled a card from his deck and added it to her hand, it was a normal unit, “No Trigger.”

“Second check,” Toola Roola pulled out a card and smiled, “DEMON BEAST TAMER, CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

Spearhead frowned.

"I give all the effects to my last Showman." (PWR27000)

“NOW I'M ATTACKING YOUR VANGUARD WITH NECROSHADE SHOWMAN,” Toola Roola yelled as she swung her unit horizontally.

Without a second thought, Spearhead placed 2 Heal units in the Guard Zone, “Guard.” (SHLD 30000)

"No," Toola Roola thought, "That was supposed to be my final attack."





As if her mind had been read, Spike spoke up, "Dont worry Roola, it was a spectacular attack anyway."

“Just keep calm and you'll beat him on your next turn,” Coconut Cream said.





"That won't happen, I'M GOING ALL OUT THIS TURN," Spearhead yelled as he drew a card from his deck and placed his units vertically.

"THE TRUE POWER OF DARKNESS, RIDE," Spearhead placed a card on top of his Vanguard. It was similar to Phantom Pegasus Knight but it had a crown, and most notably, a horn, "PHANTOM ALICORN KING." (PWR13000/G3)

“Oh no,” Toola Roola said as she felt a dark vibe emanating from that unit.





"I think I'm going to throw up," Spike said as he covered his mouth.

"What happened Spike?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

“That unit has a horrible skill that breaks the rules, even though the rules are the same cards,” Spike replied.





“When Phantom Alicorn King rides a Shadow Paladdin and as long as my opponent has less damage than me, I can call a Counter Blast,” Spearhead said flipping his last card into the Damage Zone.

"And what does that skill do?" Toola Roola asked.

Spearhead smiled waiting to see Roola's reaction, "Deals automatic damage."

"WHAT?" Toola Roola screamed frightened.





“A damage without attacking, that's terrifying,” Lemon Zest said looking at the result.





“Damage Trigger check,” Toola Roola said as she placed a normal unit into her Damage Zone.

Toola Roola: 3/6 Damage
Spearhead: 5/6 Damage

"Now I'm going to Triple Call," Spearhead filled his entire back row with 3 copies of the same unit, "DARK PEGASUS SQUIRE." (PWR7000/G1)X3

“Great, this isn't going too well, now you have extra Criticals on your rear-guards,” said Toola Roola.

“Don't worry miss, I'm not going to use them for that,” Spearhead said, confusing Toola Roola.

"So what is he planning?" Toola Roola wondered.

“ARCHER OF THE GALE SUPPORTED BY DARK PEGASUS SQUIRE, ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD,” Spearhead placed his unit horizontally and attacked. (PWR17000)

“GUARD,” Toola Roola defended with her last Demon Beast Tamer placing it in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)

"THEN MY PHANTOM PEGASUS KNIGHT SUPPORTED BY DARK PEGASUS SQUIRE WILL ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD." (PWR17000)

“GUARD,” Toola Roola yelled again as she placed her Draw Trigger in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 5000)

“No, that's not enough,” Toola Roola thought, then laid down a grade 1 card that featured a juggler.

“DIMENSIONAL JUGGLER,” Toola Roola explained, “If a grade 3 attacks, Juggler's defense is doubled.” (SHLD 10000)

Generating a shield of 15000.

"NOW MY VANGUARD PHANTOM ALICORN KING WILL ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD, PLUNGE THIS PLANET INTO DARKNESS." (PWR20000)

“AND BY DISCARDING A SHADOW PALADDIN UNIT, MY PHANTOM ALICORN KING GAINS 5000 POWER,” Spearhead said as he placed one of the units in his hand into the Drop Zone.

“No, I can't defend against that,” Toola Roola said, seeing that she didn't have enough defense in her hand.

“Twin Drive, first check,” Spearhead drew a card from his deck, “No Trigger.”

Hearing that, Toola Roola knew she had a chance, even if she managed to get a Critical she would only be at 5 damage and she would continue her turn.

"Second Check," Spearhead frowned, "No Trigger."

“Yeah, very good, Damage Trigger check,” Toola Roola placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Toola Roola: 4/6 Damage
Spearhead: 5/6 Damage

"Hehehe," Spearhead laughed.

"What is so funny?" Toola Roola asked.

"Don't think there will be a next turn," Spearhead said.

"Wait what?" Toola Roola asked again.

“Phantom Alicorn King skill, discarding 2 cards,” Spearhead discarded 2 cards from his hand and sent them to the Drop Zone, then put all of his rear-guards into the Drop Zone, “and put 5 rear-guards into the Drop Zone .”

Toola Roola watched nervously.

"AND CONTEMPLATE THE POWER OF A KING, SACRIFICING HIS ENTIRE KINGDOM WILL GIVE HIM A NEW OPPORTUNITY."

Spearhead brought her Vanguard back upright, “BY DOING THAT, I CAN STAND MY VANGUARD AND ATTACK A SECOND TIME.”

“NOOOOO.” Toola Roola said.





The emotion was so shocking that Moondancer fainted.

PFFFT.

“Moondancer,” Twilight cried out in concern.

“Ughh at least it wasn't me this time,” Thorax said remembering the duel of Spike VS Garble.





“NOW I ATTACK,” Spearhead yelled.

Toola Roola had nothing to defend herself with, she had to accept the attack.

“DRIVE TRIGGER, FIRST CHECK,” Spearhead yelled, pulling another card from his deck, “CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

“This battle will be decided this turn, so as long as i can draw a heal trigger, I'll be fine,” Toola Roola thought.

“MY UNITS, GIVE ME YOUR POWER,” Spearhead said as he took the next card on second check.

Spearhead smiled.

“Game over miss,” he show her the card he took, “CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

"No, this is not the end," Toola Roola thought.

“DAMAGE TRIGGER, TRIPLE CHECK,” Toola Roola yelled as she drew 3 cards.

Unfortunately neither was a Heal Trigger.

“This is how it all ends,” Toola Roola said, lowering her head.

Toola Roola: 6/6 Damage
Spearhead: 5/6 Damage (Winner)





"Oh no, this is bad," Twilight thought worriedly, after all, her little brother's club was closer to being disbanded.

“Victory for Wonderbolt Academy, the winner is Spearhead,” Lemon Zest announced.





"Nice," Spearhead said as she collected his cards, but watched Toola Roola do the same with a sad expression.

"You fought very well for your first battle," Toola Roola heard Spearhead's voice, she raised her head.

"I hope one day we play again, for fun," Spearhead told her.

Toola Roola's sad expression turned into a smile, "Thank you, you are very good, when I have more experience I will face you again."

"Well I learned from the best," Spearhead responded, pointing at Flash Sentry who gave him a thumbs up.





Toola Roola turned back to her team, "Im sorry guys, I let you down."

Spike smiled, "Don't worry Roola, you did great."

"Yeah, anything could have happened," Thorax told her.

“You lost because he get 2 Criticals at just the right time, and that's not your fault,” Ember told her.

“And it was a fun battle, that's what it's all about,” Coconut Cream told her, “Well, I guess it's my turn now.”

“Wait a minute,” Ember interrupted.

"What's up Ember?" Spike asked.

“It's clear this guy is very dangerous,” Ember said, pointing to Spearhead, “If we don't take him down now, our team will probably be in trouble.”

The club listened carefully.

"That's why please ask to be the next one to play, I will defeat him myself," Ember asked them.

"Okay Ember, go get him," Spike told her to which Ember smiled, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it from now on."
> Enter The Dragon Lord
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The situation was not going well for the Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club, they had lost a cardfighter in their first battle, but that would not lower their spirits and they would make sure to fight until the end.

“Don't let that defeat discourage you,” Twilight Sparkle told them.

“Very good, they got a loss” said Sugarcoat as she wrote the members' names on a board.


Crystal Prep.

Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream

Wonderbolt Academy.

Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead






“That was amazing, Spearhead,” Flash Sentry congratulated him.

“You really showed off,” Soarin told him.

“The force of the dark knights is on your side,” the orange-haired, yellow-skinned girl told him.

"Keep it up and we'll beat them," the white-haired, light-blue-skinned girl said.

“Just be careful, don't underestimate them, they really are very strong,” Spearhead told his team, to which they all nodded.

"That's the way is spoken, Spearhead  I hope you have good luck in your second battle," Flash told him as he saw Ember approaching.

"Aye aye, captain," Spearhead replied as he returned to the table.





"Come on Ember," Spike encouraged, "I know you can win."

"I will, Spike," Ember replied as she advanced to the table.

"We've never seen her fight, do you think she'll be okay?" Thorax asked.

"Thorax, you forget she works at a card shop, Ember surely has a plan to counter every deck she faces," Spike told him.

“I guess that makes sense,” Thorax said.





“It's time to start the second battle between Crystal Prep and Wonderbolt Academy,” Lemon Zest announced.

“From Crystal Prep, Ember,” Lemon Zest announced as Ember sat down at the table and placed her deck there.

“And from Wonderbolt Academy, Spearhead,” Lemon Zest announced as Spearhead sat down at the table and placed his deck there.

“So you're next,” Spearhead told Ember, “I'm chivalrous, but I won't hold back, no matter who my opponent is, though I think you already figured it out, because of my last battle.”

Ember remembered the way Spearhead defeated Toola Roola, but then she smiled, "Very well, in fact, you better fight with all your might."

"Huh?" Spearhead asked.

“Because I will become the strongest Cardfighter, no matter what opponents I have to face,” Ember continued, “And right now you are just a wall that prevents me from advancing, but no matter, I will destroy that wall with the power of my units.”





"Wow, that was awesome," Spike said as he listened to Ember.

"I know Ember is on our side," Toola Roola said, "But that was scary."

"Yes, I think there is no need to make her angry," added Coconut Cream.





"Haha," Spearhead laughed, "I'm sorry but that threat won't intimidate me."

But Ember replied with a small prayer, "It wasn't a threat."

“Hmmph,” Spearhead sighed.

“Okay I see you're in high spirits, it's time to shuffle your decks and draw your cards,” Lemon Zest told them.

The 2 nodded, placed their Vanguard face down, shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards.

“I'll return 3,” Ember said returning 3 cards to her deck, she shuffled it and she drew 3 cards.

"I'm fine," Spearhead said.

“Let the battle begin,” Lemon Zest announced.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

Ember: 0/6 Damage
Spearhead: 0/6 Damage

Ember's card was a light blue egg, it looked like a dragon would hatch because the egg sprouted arms and legs and had red eyes, "CHAOS EGG." (PWR4000/G0)

While Speahead flipped the same card from last time, "DARK PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR6000/G0)





"Kagero," Spike and Thorax said at the same time, although they weren't surprised, they knew that this clan was perfect for Ember.

"Interesting clan, like Spike's," Twilight Sparkle said.

"Kagero?" Toola Roola and Coconut Cream wondered, not knowing all the clans.

"It is a clan of Dragons and Dragonriders," Thorax answered.

"Is it like Spike's Narukami Deck?" Toola Roola asked.

"Not necessarily, the Narukami are Thunder Dragons, and while they share similar abilities, such as destroying the opponent's rear-guards, they do have their differences," Spike told them.

“The Kagero focus a bit more on power than the Narukami,” Thorax added.

"But will it be enough to defeat a Shadow Paladdin Deck?" asked Coconut Cream.

Spike smiled, "Don't worry, I trust Ember."





“Since the Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club lost, Ember will be able to decide whether to start first or second,” said Lemon Zest.

"Very well," Ember said, then turned to Spearhead, "I'll give you the first turn."

"Roger, my turn, draw, Ride," Spearhead placed a card on top of his Dark Pegasus Knight, "SHADOW PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR8000/G1)

“Shadow Pegasus Knight skill, as long as i have Dark Pegasus Knight is in my soul, I can search my deck for Phantom Pegasus Knight,” Spearhead said as he searched his deck and added the unit to his hand.

“This is bad, he already secured his next Ride,” Ember thought.

"I'm done with my turn," Spearhead said.

“Okay, here I come,” Ember said, pulling a card from her deck.

“Ride,” then placing a card on top of Chaos Egg, it was a salamander engulfed in blue flames, but its most notable feature was its fangs, needless to say the unit had a majestic design, “BLUE FLAME SALAMANDER.” (PWR8000/G1)

“Blue Flame Salamander skill allows me to draw an extra card from my deck,” Ember said as she drew a card from her deck, to which Spearhead frowned.

“Now I call another copy of Blue Flame Salamander,” Ember said as she placed the other unit on the left front row.

“And now I will attack your Vanguard with my Blue Flame Salamander,” Ember said as she placed the other unit that was not her Vanguard horizontally.

“I'm gonna Guard,” Spearhead said as he set up a Draw Trigger in the Guard Zone.

“GHOST WING.” (SHLD 5000)

Ember frowned, she placed her Vanguard horizontally, "Then I'll attack you with my Vanguard."

Spearhead thought about it for a moment, but in the end, he decided that defending would be a risky move, "No Guard."

“Drive Trigger check,” said Ember as she took a card out of her deck and added it to her hand, she smiled when she saw what came out, “BERSERK HATCHLING, A CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

“Grr, lucky draw,” Spearhead said, “Damage Trigger, check.”

Spearhead placed 2 cards in his Damage Zone, he smiled with the last one, it was another copy of Ghost Wing, at that moment, he drew a card from his deck, "Alright, a Draw Trigger, I draw an extra card."

Ember: 0/6 Damage
Spearhead: 2/6 Damage





"Yay, Ember has the skill to pull a Critical," Spike said.

"Is it skill or luck?" Toola Roola asked.

"Ummm," Spike said not knowing what to say but Coconut Cream interfered.

"I think it's a mixture of both, Roola."

Thorax nodded, "That's right, although Vanguard is a game where luck depends a bit, but the one who knows his deck best and knows how to handle his units will win."

"Mmm, you're right about that, Thorax," Moondancer told him, "Also the one who best knows how to integrate his units in perfect balance."

"So it was a good idea to modify those decks we bought," Twilight Sparkle said to which Spike nodded.

"That's how it is."





"My turn, Ride," Spearhead said as he drew a card from his deck and placed a card on top of his Vanguard, "PHANTOM PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR10000/G2)

“If Shadow Pegasus Knight is in my soul, I can draw an extra card,” Spearhead said as he drew a card from his deck.

“Here it goes,” Ember said.

"Call," Spearhead said as he put a unit in the left front row, "ARCHER OF THE GALE." (PWR10000/G2)





“Oh not again,” Toola Roola and Coconut Cream said at the same time, since they knew the Archer's skill.





"Your Blue Flame Salamander will go to the Drop Zone," Spearhead said smiling as he pointed at the unit.

"Sorry Blue Flame Salamander," Ember said as she placed the unit in the Drop Zone, "But thanks for your help."





"Why is she talking to her card, is she crazy?" the orange-haired girl asked.

"No, she's one with her deck," Flash replied with a smile, "She really puts her dedication into her Cardfights, Spike really had a great idea recruiting her."

"Changing the subject," Soarin spoke up, "I dont think it was a good idea Spearhead used her Archer so early, I mean, he only took out a grade 1."

“Soarin, the Kagero clan lies in power, my advice is if you can take out a unit, don't miss the opportunity,” Flash answered and then he turned to have a serious look, “Otherwise things can't be nothing pretty.”





"Now I'll attack with my Archer," Spearhead said as he brought his unit to a horizontal position.

“Damage Trigger check,” Ember said as she placed a card in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 2/6 Damage

"And now I'll attack with my Vanguard," Spearhead said as he placed his unit horizontally.

Ember decided to defend herself with the Critical she had drawn, "Don't think I'll just sit there and watch you launch your attacks, I'll defend myself, Guard."

“BERSERK HATCHLING.” (SHLD 15000)

“Grr, Drive Trigger check,” Spearhead said, at which point he frowned as he pulled out a Critical Trigger, “My dark vibes betray me, a wasted Critical.”





“Ugh, that was pretty close,” Twilight Sparkle said in relief.

"I almost had a heart attack," Spike said.





“My turn, Stand and Draw,” Ember said as she stood her units upright and drew a card from her deck.

“Ride,” Ember said as she placed a card on top of her Vanguard, the unit was some sort of anthropomorphic version of Blue Flame Salamander, it looked very similar to Crystal Scale as it also wore a Crystal armor to cover its legs, her armor  were similar, but unlike the aforementioned unit, this one was not bare-chested, she had a kind of top made of Crystal that covered her breasts, and it had white horns, with blue spikes,"BLUE FLAME DRAGON PRINCESS." (PWR10000/G2)





Spike walked over, and was surprised by the unit's design, "It looks like Crystal Scale."

"What?" Twilight's group and the Cardfighting Club plus Lemon Zest asked at the same time, to which Spike pulled Crystal Scale out of his deck for a closer look.

“There's no question, they're almost the same unit,” Twilight Sparkle said.

“Well, Blue Flame appears to be a female dragon and Crystal Scale appears to be a male dragon,” Lemon Zest said.

“The other difference is her scale color, she is blue and he is lilac,” said Moondancer.

Spike returned to focus on Ember's fight, but he noticed something when he looked at her, that she was looking into their eyes, this made Spike blush.





"Just watch this, Spike," Ember thought without looking away but was then interrupted by Spearhead.

"Not that I want to distract you miss, but we are in the middle of a battle."

"Huh?" Ember snapped out of her trance and realized that she was looking Spike in the eye for more than 30 seconds, this made her blush, "Ah, ah, sorry, I activated the Blue Flame Dragon Princess Skill."

"Well, what does she do?" Spearhead asked.

“I pay a Counter Blast,” Ember said as she flipped the only card in her Damage Zone, “And you get rid of a rear guard.”

Spearhead frowned, although this time he had a choice, he only had a rear guard, so he had no choice and put his Archer in the Drop Zone.





“Damn, that was a good move, considering Blue Flame Salamander's skill,” Soarin said.

"What kind of skill does she have?" asked the light blue girl with white hair.





“Since the unit you sent to the Drop Zone was the same grade as my Vanguard, I can draw a card,” Ember said as she drew a card from her deck.

"She is raising her hand more, planning something," Spearhead thought.

"Now, Call," Ember placed a unit on her left front row, she looked like some kind of priestess who had a ruby ​​necklace, she was riding a red dragon, "DRACONIC PRIESTESS." (PWR8000/G2)





"Good thinking Ember," Spike encouraged.

“I don't get it, it's a grade 2 with only 8000, I don't think she can hit the Vanguard with that power,” Twilight Sparkle said.

"You'll see, Twi," Spike replied, smiling.





“I am going to attack your Vanguard with Blue Flame Dragon Princess,” Ember said as she brought her Vanguard upright.

“No Guard,” Spearhead said.

"Drive Trigger check," Ember pulled a card from her deck, she didn't know how to feel seeing what she had drawn, "POTION DRAGON, HEAL TRIGGER."





“Hehehe, what a waste,” the yellow girl said.

“Yes, it won't be able to heal because Spearhead has more damage,” continued the light blue girl.

"But she can still power her rear guard," Flash Sentry told them, "Spearhead may have problems."





“I can't heal myself, but I boost my Priestess,” Ember said gesturing to their respective unit. (PWR 170000)

“Then I guess I'll check the Damage Trigger,” Spearhead said as he placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 3/6 Damage

“And now I attack with my Priestess,” Ember said placing her unit horizontally.

"Alright, that attack won't go through....." Spearhead was about to defend himself but Ember continued speaking.

“Draconic Priestess Skill,” Ember said, “When she attacks, she gains an extra 4000 power for every empty front row circle on my opponent's field and from what I see, you have 2 empty front circles so it'll be an 8000 boost. of power." (PWR 25000)

"It can't be," Spearhead shouted.





"Oh, that was it," Twilight Sparkle said.

"That's right, that's why she removed the rear guard, to gain more power," Spike told her.





"That girl," Soarin said, "is lucky."

“And skilled,” Flash Sentry added.





“Hell, no Guard,” Spearhead said as he placed a normal unit into his Damage Zone.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Spearhead: 4/6 Damage

“And don't think I'm done,” Ember said as she flipped the card in her Damage Zone that she Counter Blasted, “Draconic Priestess's skill allows me to flip a card that she Counter Blasted if her attack was a success.”

“It's like she didn't pay for a Counter Blast in the first place,” Spearhead said.

“This ends my turn,” Ember said with a smile.





At that moment Toola Roola began to tremble.

"What's wrong Toola Roola?" Thorax asked.

“I have a feeling Ember is in trouble,” Toola Roola replied.

"Why?" asked Coconut Cream, "Ember has an overwhelming advantage."

“I had the advantage too, and look how it ends,” Toola Roola responded with concern.

"Oh no, Toola Roola is right," Spike said.

“Right, Spearhead's Deck is more effective in the later turns, where he becomes a killing machine,” Thorax said.





“IT'S MY TURN, STAND AND DRAW,” Spearhead yelled as he stood his units upright and drew a card from his deck.

"TRUE POWER OF DARKNESS, RIDE," Spearhead placed a card on top of his Vanguard. "PHANTOM ALICORN KING." (PWR13000/G3)

Ember frowned as she witnessed Spearhead's powerful unit.





“NOT AGAIN,” Twilight and Spike yelled in terror as they hugged each other, fearful of the Alicorn King's power.

Spike kept repeating the same thing, "Ember only has one damage, she'll be fine."

"Ember only has one damage, she'll be fine."

"Ember only has one damage, she'll be fine."

But at that moment...

SLAP

Thorax had slapped Spike.

"Ouchhh," Spike groaned in pain but then regained his sanity, "Thanks, I think I needed that."

“I guess, but I understand the situation Ember is in,” Thorax said.

“Well, if the Alicorn King can deal damage, then it looks like….” Twilight said but was interrupted at that moment.

SLAP

Lyra had slapped Twilight.

“Ouchh,” Twilight groaned in pain, “why did you do that?”

“Sorry, it was a reflex, I thought you were going to freak out too,” Lyra apologized.





“Now I pay a Counter Blast, and deal auto damage thanks to my Alicorn King skill,” Spearhead said as he flipped a card in his Damage Zone.

“You don't scare me,” Ember said as she added a normal unit to her Damage Zone.

Ember: 2/6 Damage
Spearhead: 4/6 Damage

“Now Call,” Spearhead placed in the left front row another copy of Phantom Pegasus Knight, “PHANTOM PEGASUS KNIGHT.” (PWR10000/G2)

“And with his Skill, I pay 3 Counter Blast to return 2 Shadow Paladdin from my Drop Zone to my hand,” Spearhead said as he flipped the remaining cards in his Damage Zone and then placed Archer of The Gale and Ghost Wing into his hand. .
Ember frowned at that move.

“Now Call,” Spearhead placed 4 units, the first in the right frontrow and the others in the back row.

"ARCHER OF THE GALE." (PWR10000/G2)

"SHADOW PEGASUS KNIGHT." (PWR8000/G1)X2

“GHOST WING.” (PWR5000/G0)





“Spearhead is clearly not wasting his time,” Flash said.





“Now I attack with Archer of The Gale supported by Ghost Wing, but not before getting rid of your Priestess,” Spearhead said as he placed the respective units horizontally.

Ember placed her Priestess in the Drop Zone and prepared to cover the damage with a copy of Blue Flame Salamander, "Guard." (SHLD 10000)

Spearhead frowned but he continued his attack placing his 2 copies of Shadow Pegasus Knight horizontally, "I attack your Vanguard with my Pegasus Knights."

“Guard,” Ember said as she placed another copy of Blue Flame Salamander in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 10000)

"Grrrrr, that's how you want to play," Spearhead snapped and then he swung his Vanguard horizontally, "I ATTACK WITH PHANTOM ALICORN KING."

“No Guard,” Ember said with a serious look.

"THEN IT'S TIME FOR MY TWIN DRIVE," Spearhead yelled as he pulled a card from his deck, he smiled at it, "CURSED SWORD, CRITICAL TRIGGER."

Ember frowned.

"SECOND CHECK," Spearhead pulled out another card and smiled again, "ANOTHER CRITICAL TRIGGER."





"WHAT?" the entire club and Twi's group yelled, and they were also surprised to see how well Ember was taking it.





“Damage Trigger, Triple Check,” Ember placed 3 units in her Damage Zone, but strangely enough, one of them turned out to be a Trigger, which looked like an oriental dragon “MYSTIC SNAKE, DRAW TRIGGER.”

Ember took a card from her deck.

Ember: 5/6 Damage
Spearhead: 4/6 Damage





“This is crazy, Ember already has that much damage in a single turn,” Spike said.

“And worst of all, comes the skill of the Alicorn King,” said Toola Roola.

“This looks bad,” said Coconut Cream.

Spike felt nervous, but seeing Ember's determination, he felt a little better, "But i don't lose faith in Ember, she can handle him."

All the club members smiled and nodded upon hearing that, they were willing to morally support their friend.





"And don't think I'll end my turn, you've been very brave in this cardfight, I must say it's admirable, miss," Spearhead said, "BUT THAT COURAGE WILL GONE VERY SOON BY WITNESSING THE SKILL OF THE KING."

Ember watched him carefully.

“Phantom Alicorn King skill, discarding 2 cards,” Spearhead discarded 2 cards from his hand and sent them to the Drop Zone, then put all of his rear-guards into the Drop Zone, “and put 5 rear-guards into the Drop Zone .”

“I CAN STAND MY VANGUARD AND ATTACK A SECOND TIME.”





"Spearhead got pretty intense," Flash smiled.

“You already have it,” Soarin said.

“SPEARHEAD, FINISH HER,” yelled the yellow girl.





“Aye,” Spearhead brought his Vanguard back to horizontal position, “PHANTOM ALICORN KING, DESTROY THE DRAGONESS.”

Ember smiled, "I guess you didn't consider this."

At that moment, Ember placed a card in the Guard Zone.

PLATINUM DRAKE (SHLD 0)

“NOOO,” Spearhead yelled, “A Perfect Guard.”





"I knew she would survive," Spike said.

"That certainly explains why she was so calm," Twilight said.





"Of course, I didn't use it earlier, so your field and hand were weak," Ember said, "I guess it's my turn now."

Spearhead didn't say anything, just nodded a little nervously.

“NOW IT'S MY TURN,” Ember said as she placed her units vertically and drew a card.





"Wow, is it me or does Ember look very lively?" Twinkleshine asked.





"NOW, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR QUEEN, SHOOT THIS PLANET WITH THE FLAME OF POWER, RIDE," Ember placed a unit on her Vanguard, it was like an upgraded version of Blue Flame Dragon Princess, she had a red cape and wore a gold helmet that covered part of her face, she was taller and what attracted more attention were 2 blue wings that came out of his back, "BLUE FLAME DRAGON LORD." (PWR13000/G3)





“Wow, she looks majestic,” Spike said.

Twi smiled at Spike's reaction, she knew that even though it was just a card, Spike's imagination made it look like the Dragon Lord was real, and at that moment.

"Whoa," Twi also began to feel Ember's passion and also imagined the Dragon Lord facing the Alicorn King, "I didn't expect that."





“NOW CALL,” Ember practically spent her entire hand placing 2 copies of her Vanguard in the front row and 3 copies of the same unit in the back row, those units were purple-skinned, red-eyed snakes.

"BLUE FLAME DRAGON LORD." (PWR13000/G3)X2

“VENOM COBRA.” (PWR7000/G1)X3

Spearhead looked more nervous, "Okay, I just have to survive this turn and the game will be mine."

Hearing that, Ember with a smile loudly declared, "FINAL TURN."





That surprised everyone.

"Lemon Zest, what is the Final Turn?" Sugarcoat asked.

“It's a statement, you say it when you're sure it's the turn you'll win,” Lemon Zest replied.

“So she declared her victory,” Indigo Zap said, “Show off.”





“Skill of my Dragon Lord,” Ember flipped 3 cards in her Damage Zone, “I pay 3 Counter Blast and my Vanguard will gain 10000 power.” (PWR 23000)





"You got it Ember," Spike yelled.





“Now I attack your Vanguard,” Ember said.

Spearhead gritted his teeth, he looked at his hand and he didn't have enough defense, the worst thing is that if he used all of it, he would still be stalked by the other 2 attacks, "All I can do is accept the attack and hope she doesn't get a Trigger.”

“No Guard.”

Ember smiled, "You know, I've always heard stories about mighty knights defeating evil dragons."

"Twin Drive, first check," Ember pulled out a card, "No Trigger."

Spearhead was relieved but Ember continued.

"Second check," Ember smiled, "But this time, it is a powerful dragon who will take down the evil knight, Berserk Hatchling, Critical Trigger."

“NOOOOOOO,” Spearhead yelled.





The Crystal Prep club celebrated.





“It can't be,” the yellow girl said.

“Spearhead, he fought bravely,” Flash Sentry said.





“Damage Trigger, check,” Spearhead said hoping to get a Trigger out, but to no avail.

Ember: 5/6 Damage (Winner)
Spearhead: 6/6 Damage

By this time, the draconian might was able to overthrow the tyrant king.
> Touchdown Fight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After that attack, upon seeing Spearhead's Damage Zone, the Crystal Prep student council and Cardfighting Club had been shocked to witness Ember's power.

Lemon Zest was the first to recover, she got up with a smile and then announced the following, "Victory for the Crystal Prep, the winner is Ember."

Hearing that, everyone recovered from the shock and celebrated.

“Well done Ember,” said Toola Roola and Coconut Cream at the same time.

“We made it even,” Thorax said.

"I knew you'd make it, I never doubted you, Ember," Spike said.

Ember, who was watching them from her seat at the table, smiled, she was glad to have won and become stronger, but for some reason, she felt better receiving praise from her fellow club members even more than her victory.

But meanwhile, the reaction of the other members of the student council was not the same.

“Grrr, dammit, they scored a victory,” Sugarcoat said with a disgusted expression as she readjusted her glasses.

“If this keeps up, those fools will get their club,” Sour Sweet added through gritted teeth.

Hearing that, Twilight Sparkle smiled, "They underestimated the club, now they have no choice but to allow their creation when they win."





"That was a good fight," Spearhead told her.

“I guess I was lucky,” Ember said.

Spearhead smiled, "You'll need it when you face my other teammates."

“I'll do my best,” Ember answered determinedly.

Spearhead smiled and proceeded to walk away.





On the side of the Wonderbolt Academy Club.

Spearhead was returning to his team, he apologized upon arrival, "I, I'm sorry."

Flash smiled, "Spearhead, you fought very well, you should be proud."

“Yes, anything could have happened,” Soarin told him.

Spearhead smiled.

"Well then, who will be next?" asked the light blue girl.

The Wonderbolt Academy Club began to think and discuss who should be the next to fight, but before they could say anything, the yellow girl stood up from her seat drawing everyone's attention.

She jumped and landed in a very epic way.

“She think she got what it takes to be an elite cardfighter?” asked the girl.

“Well, she beat Spearhead, so I guess…” Soarin said but was interrupted by the sound of a whistle.

PRIIIIIII

"It was a rhetorical question," the yellow girl told him as she put the whistle in her pocket and continued, "And no, she doesn't have it."

"Are you sure?" asked Flash Sentry with a serious expression.

"I'll take care of it, I'm not just going to defeat her," the yellow girl said as she advanced to the table, "I'm going to pulverize her."

"Umm, I guess you shouldn't say things like, pulverize her," Soarin said nervously to which the Flash nodded equally nervously.





Lemon Zest wrote the following on the board:


Crystal Prep.



Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream



Wonderbolt Academy.



Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead


Lemon Zest was wondering who Wonderbolt Academy's next Cardfighter would be, but her doubts were dissolved when she saw the yellow girl approaching.

"I'm next, my name is Spitfire, and I'm here to destroy everyone," the girl introduced herself.

Ember liked Spitfire's competitive spirit, "Alright, then I'll give it my all again."

Spitfire frowned, "Your hopes of victory will be gone, we at Wonderbolt Academy train daily, we are strong in both mind and body, we don't put all our power in our cards, unlike you, we are not weaklings. ”





"Oh no," Soarin said with his hand to his forehead, "That big mouth of hers is going to get her in trouble."

"Well, she says what she wants, and she's usually right," said the light blue girl.





Ember felt excitement, for her it would definitely be a fun battle.





"That girl is scary," Spike said, "But still, she doesn't know who she's messing with."

"It's too early to relax Spike," Thorax told him, "After all, she knows which clan Ember uses."

Twilight walked over to Spike, "Ember has surpassed all odds in the previous battle."

Spike smirked, "Besides, he didn't use the full power of his Dragon Lord."

“Does it have another effect?” Twilight asked him.

“That's right, and you'll probably see it in this cardfight,” Spike replied.





At that moment, Lemon Zest announced the next battle.

“It's time to start the third battle between Crystal Prep and Wonderbolt Academy,” Lemon Zest announced.

“From Crystal Prep, Ember,” Lemon Zest announced as Ember sat down at the table and placed her deck there again.

“And from Wonderbolt Academy, Spitfire,” Lemon Zest announced as Spitfire sat down at the table and placed her deck there.

Spitfire spoke to Ember, "You're going to have to get past me if you want to be the strongest."

"I'll give it a try," Ember replied with a smile.

"Are you making fun of me?" Spitfire wondered.

But before they started an argument, Lemon Zest interrupted them.

"Time to start, shuffle your decks and draw your first hand."

They both did as they were told, shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards.

“I'll return 2,” Ember said returning 2 cards to her deck, she shuffled it and she drew 2 cards.

“I'll also return 2,” Spitfire said returning 2 cards to her deck, she shuffled it and she drew 2 cards.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

But Spitfire practically shouted louder, as if she had a megaphone, "STAND UP VANGUARD."

“Ahhhh,” Ember groaned as she covered her ears, “Was it necessary to yell at me?”

“No, but it is necessary for the concentration of both players,” Spitfire replied.





"Ahhh," Spike complained as he covered his ears, "I think my ears are going to bleed."

“You can say that again,” Twilight told her as she covered her ears.

"I think my ears are going to bleed," Spike repeated.

"Spike, it's just an expression," Twilight told him.

"Oh," Spike replied, feeling a bit silly.





"She really do that for concentration?" Spearhead asked, "Or does she just like to yell at people?"

"I think a little of both," replied the light blue girl.





Ember decided to just keep going and started her game, "CHAOS EGG." (PWR4000/G0)

Spitfire's unit was a kind of zombified cheerleader, who had white skin with no color and wore broken pom-poms, but most notably had bat wings on her back, "UNDEAD CHEERLEADER." (PWR6000/G0)

Ember: 0/6 Damage
Spitfire: 0/6 Damage





"Spike Brothers," Thorax said.

"Spike, how does that clan work?" Twilight asked him.

“The Spike Brothers is a clan of demonic football players, they specialize in making superior calls from the deck, thus creating a really offensive strategy with lots of attacks taking care of the cardfighter hand,” Spike replied.

“They are from my own nation,” Toola Roola said as she looked at her deck.

“Let's just hope Ember doesn't have a problem,” Coconut Cream said.





Lemon Zest announced, "The last victory belonged to Crystal Prep, so Wonderbolt Academy has the right to choose, Spitfire, do you prefer to go first or second?"

“My deck works best when I'm second, so I'd rather Ember go first,” Spitfire said.

"Alright, my turn and draw, Ride," Ember drew a card and placed one in her Vanguard Circle on top of the Chaos Egg, "BLUE FLAME SALAMANDER." (PWR8000/G1)

“Blue Flame Salamander skill allows me to draw an extra card from my deck,” Ember said as she drew a card from her deck, to which Spitfire frowned.

Doing that, Ember decided to end her turn.

"My turn, draw, Ride," Spitfire took out a card and placed on Undead Cheerleader her unit, she was a kind of football player with horns and blue skin, she had fangs and many thorns on her back, "STRIKER GIRL." (PWR8000/G1)

Ember looked at her carefully, "I know that unit, this will be tricky."

“Now i Call,” Spitfire said as she placed another copy of the same unit in the left front row, “STRIKER GIRL.” (PWR8000/G1)

“Here it comes,” Ember said.

“I'll attack your Vanguard first,” Spitfire said as she swung her Striker Girl horizontally.

“Damage Trigger check,” Ember said as she decided to take the damage, then she placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Spitfire: 0/6 Damage

“And now I activate her skill,” Spitfire said making Ember give her a serious look, “When Striker Girl manages to hit a unit, I can check the top card of my deck and if it's a grade 1 Spike Brothers unit I can Superior Call. and place it in the back row.”

Spitfire looked at the top card of her deck, she frowned and put it back.

“It wasn't what you expected right,” Ember told her with a smile.

“Silence,” Spitfire told her as she brought her Vanguard horizontally, “I now attack your Vanguard.”

“No Guard,” Ember said determinedly.

“Drive Trigger check,” Spitfire drew a card, “Lucky for you, it wasn't a Trigger.”

Ember placed another unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 2/6 Damage
Spitfire: 0/6 Damage

“Now Striker Girl's skill,” Spitfire said as she drew a card from her deck, she smiled.

“Superior Call,” Spitfire placed an Undead Cheerleader-like unit right behind her Vanguard, only it seemed to be on fire, “HELLFIRE CHEERLEADER.” (PWR7000/G1)





“Oh, so that's how her deck works,” Twinkleshine said.

"It makes a lot of sense, football players move as a team to make a touchdown, that's why their clan makes Superior Calls," said Lyra.

“Ember may not be able to win this one,” Moondancer said.

"Hey," Spike told them, "I remind you that Ember is very strong, no matter how many players she calls, Spitfire will never get a home run."

The girls looked at each other in confusion as they listened to Spike.

"What?" Spike asked.

"That's baseball, Spike," Lemon Hearts told him, "not football."

"That's right, is not a home run, it's obviously a strike," Twilight said causing everyone except Spike to look at her.

"Wow, you two really don't know anything about sports," Sunny Flare said, pointing at Twilight and Spike.

Spike and Twilight, both of whom had flushed with embarrassment, looked away.

"Can you blame them?" Indigo Zap asked, "They're nerds, they don't know anything about sports."

“Hey,” Twilight and Spike yelled at the same time.

"Should we say something?" Toola Roola asked.

"Ummm, better not," Thorax answered, not wanting to get into the strange conversation.





“My turn, Draw,” Ember said as she drew a card from her deck.

"Grr, Ride," Ember said as she placed a unit on her Vanguard, the reason being that she didn't have any more grade 2 units in her hand, "DRACONIC PRIESTESS." (PWR8000/G2)





"Oh no, it's too bad she couldn't get her Dragon Princess out," Spike said worriedly.

“At least his Priestess will get the boost since Spitfire has an empty front circle,” added Coconut Cream.





“Call,” Ember said as she placed a unit in the right front row, “BLUE FLAME SALAMANDER.” (PWR8000/G1)

“One more time,” Ember said as she placed a Draw Trigger just behind her Vanguard, “MYSTIC SNAKE.” (PWR4000/G0)

Spitfire laughed, "You must be so desperate to put a Trigger onto the battlefield."

Ignoring her, Ember placed her Salamander horizontally, "I attack your Vanguard with my Blue Flame Salamander."

“Yes yes, damage check,” Spitfire said without interest and placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”

Ember: 2/6 Damage
Spitfire: 1/6 Damage

"Is that all you have?" Spitfire asked.

“Thanks for asking, I still have a lot more,” Ember said as she placed her Vanguard and the unit behind it horizontally, “I attack your Vanguard with my Mystic Snake-powered Draconic Priestess and don't forget the power of my Vanguard, plus power because you have an empty front circle.” (PWR 16000)

But before deciding whether to protect himself from the attack, Spitfire blew his whistle again.

PRIIIIIII

“Uhh, now what?” Ember asked as she covered her ears.

“I will guard that.”

"And was it necessary to blow your stupid whistle?" Ember asked furiously.

“It's fun and I like it, I think, yes, it's necessary,” Spitfire replied with a smile as she placed a Heal Trigger in her Guard Zone, “TOXIC WATER BOY.” (SHLD 15000)

"Drive Trigger, check," Ember pulled a card from her deck, seeing it she smiled, "Your defense was useless, BERSERK HATCHLING, CRITICAL TRIGGER."

Spitfire frowned even more, as she placed a card in her Damage Zone, "Damage Trigger, first check."

Ember: 2/6 Damage
Spitfire: 2/6 Damage

“Second check,” Spitfire placed another unit in her Damage Zone, but smiled at it, “DEMONIC COACH, DRAW TRIGGER.”

Ember: 2/6 Damage
Spitfire: 3/6 Damage

Spitfire pulled a card from her deck and placed it into her hand, "That extra card will come in handy."

“Mystic Snake Skill,” Ember said as she soul charge the Snake and drew a card, “After I support a Kagero unit, I can put it in the soul and draw a card from my deck.”

“That won't do you any good,” Spitfire said.

“My turn is over,” Ember said.

“Sounds good to me, Stand and Draw,” Spitfire said as she stood her units upright and drew a card from her deck.

"Ride," Spitfire placed on her Vanguard a unit that was a kind of anthropomorphic dragon that wore a football player's uniform, also wore a helmet which was pierced by its horns, "TOUCHDOWN DRAKE." (PWR10000/G2)

“Now I'm going to use his skill,” Spitfire said as she removed 2 cards from the Soul and sent them to the Drop Zone, “I Soul Blast 2 and look at the top 5 cards of my deck.”

Ember watched her carefully, she knew that the next thing would not be pretty.

“And if there's a grade 2 Spike Brothers unit, then I can Superior Call,” Spitfire said as she went through the cards she drew, she smiled, selected one while she sent the others to the bottom of her deck, “Okay, I call, it's another copy of Touchdown Drake."

She placed him right behind Striker Girl, but at that point, she switched positions, now Touchdown Drake was in the front row while Striker Girl was in the back row just behind the aforementioned unit.

"Here it comes," Ember thought.

“I'll attack yours with my Vanguard first,” Spitfire said as she placed Touchdown Drake horizontally.

Ember thought about it for a moment, but saw that it would be too risky to protect herself, and since she only had 2 damage, she decided to receive the attack, "No Guard."

“Drive Trigger check,” Spitfire drew a grade 3 card, “It's not a Trigger, but it's my strongest card.”

Ember frowned, and placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 3/6 Damage
Spitfire: 3/6 Damage

“With the support of my Striker Girl, my other Touchdown Drake will attack your Vanguard,” Spitfire said as she placed the respective units horizontally. (PWR 18000)

“Guard,” Ember placed Berserk Hatchling in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)

“Grrr, I end my turn,” Spitfire said.

“Its my turn, Stand and Draw,” Ember said as she placed her units horizontally and drew a card, she smiled at the card that came out.

"NOW, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR QUEEN, SHOOT THIS PLANET WITH THE FLAME OF POWER, RIDE," Ember placed a unit on her Vanguard, it was her best unit, "BLUE FLAME DRAGON LORD." (PWR13000/G3)





“Yes, her best unit, she got this,” Spike said excitedly.

“Once she gets it out, it's practically game over for her opponent,” Thorax said with a smile.





“Then I Call,” Ember put a wingless anthropomorphic dragon who wore pants and had grenades on his belt, "GRENADE WINGBLAST." (PWR10000/G2)

“Wingblast skill,” Ember said, “Say goodbye to your Striker Girl.”

“A skill that destroys one of my units” Spitfire said in surprise as she placed her unit in the Drop Zone.





“How curious,” Moondancer said.

"What is curious?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"Don't you think she should have destroyed her Drake because he was stronger?" Moondancer asked again.

"Just wait and see," Spike told them.





“Now, i activate my Dragon Lord Counter Blast,” Ember flipped the 3 cards in her Damage Zone, and the power of her Vanguard increased. (PWR 23000)

“A power boost, that doesn't scare me,” Spitfire said.

“Then feel the true power, I will attack your Touchdown Drake,” Ember said as she brought her Vanguard horizontally.

That action confused almost everyone present.





“Why she's attacking Drake, she's wasting good damage with her Vanguard,” Fleetfoot said.

“By the horrendous skill of her Dragon Lord,” Flash Sentry said.

“Horrible is just a small word to describe it,” Soarin added.





"Twin Drive, first check," Ember smiled, "Berserk Hatchling, Critical Trigger." (PWR 33000)

“Second check,” Ember pulled out a normal unit, “No Trigger.”

Spitfire placed her unit in the Drop Zone.

“And now, witness the power of my Dragon Lord, when it destroys a unit, I discard 2 cards and now it can stand again,” Ember said as she brought her Vanguard back vertically, “Behold the legendary power of the Kagero , Infinite Flame.”





“Wow,” exclaimed Twi and her friends.

"This is the true power of Blue Flame Dragon Lord, the Infite Flame," Spike said with a smile.





“Oh my, that is a horrendous skill,” Fleetfoot said.





“Sure, I must lost a drive check but it still manages to deal great damage, now I attack your Vanguard,” Ember placed her Dragon Lord horizontally.





“If Ember pulls a critical, she wins,” said Coconut Cream.

“She already have it,” Toola Roola added.

"Come on Ember," Thorax encouraged.





Ember smiled thinking that the cardfight was hers, but then.

“Hehehehe,” Spitfire started to laugh, she didn't seem to be worried.

"What is so funny?" asked Ember.

“You thought I didn't know your dirty skill, hehe, what I did was make you waste 2 cards from your hand,” Spitfire said as she placed a unit in her Guard Zone not without first blowing her whistle.

PRIIIII

"Ahhhh, serously," said Ember while covering her ears.

"Look at the unit," said Spitfire.

“NEGATIVE REFEREE.” (SHLD 0)

“A perfect guard,” Ember said in surprise, she had now waste 2 cards, and paid 3 Counter Blast.

“Now you won't be able to use that skill again, since it requires 3 counter blasts,” Spitfire told her with an evil grin.

Ember frowned and took out a card, "Drive Trigger check, Draw Trigger, but using it on my Dragon Lord will be a waste, I draw a card and give the boost to Wing Blast." (PWR 20000)

"Hahaha, I think I ruined all your fun," Spitfire sneered, "Your tricks won't work on me, you bet everything on this turn and failed miserably."

“Grrrrr,” Ember couldn't be more furious.





"That was a good move, now her skill is sealed," Soarin said.

“This is Spitfire we're talking about, she doesn't give up easily,” added Fleetfoot.





"Ember," Spike said worriedly.





Ember was still processing the situation on her battlefield, but was interrupted by Spitfire.

"No matter how much you think, the end result will be the same," Spitfire said and then with all of her energy continued, "And when I'm done with you you will end up in a full body arm and legs cast drinkin' through a straw!"

“Grrrrrr, I must beat her, I can't let our club be beaten by someone like her,” Ember thought.
> Attack the Quarterback
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The situation was not good for Ember, her Dragon Lord had failed to hit her Vanguard, and since that skill required paying 3 Counter Blast, it was difficult to use it again.

Spitfire looked at her with a smile, she knew that by canceling her attack she would already take advantage in this battle, even if she had more damage.

Unable to do anything else, Ember placed her rear guard horizontally, "Boosted by Blue Flame Salamander, Grenade Wingblast attacks your Vanguard."

Undeterred, Spitfire accepted the damage and she placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 3/6 Damage
Spitfire: 4/6 Damage

"Hahaha, that's all you can do to me, just simple damage," Spitfire sneered and then she made a straight face, "Now I'll show you how we play at Wonderbolt Academy."





"Ember, be careful, it looks like she's planning something," Spike told her a little scared.

"Ember just has to resist this turn and she'll win the next one, right?" Twilight asked.

“Not necessarily,” Thorax replied pointing to Ember's Damage Zone, “To activate Blue Flame Dragon Lord's Skill, she must pay 3 Counter Blast, but for that, she needs to have damage.”

"Then she must only have 3 more to..." Twilight said but then she stopped, she understood the situation, 3 more damage for Ember would mean defeat, "Oh."

“That's right, Twi, it's going to be very hard for her to have 3 damage again without losing,” Spike told her.





“My turn, Stand and Draw,” Spitfire said as she stood her units upright and drew a card from her deck, but at that moment, a smile spread across her face.

She blew her whistle.

PRIIII

"MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS GAME AND GIVE US THE VICTORY AGAINST THE RIVAL TEAM, RIDE," she placed on her Vanguard a kind of quarterback, which had a red and a black eye, had bat wings and seemed to have an aura of darkness surrounded her, "NECRONOMICON QUARTERBACK." (PWR13000/G3)





“Very good, that is her best card,” said the light blue girl.

“But will it be enough to defeat her?” Flash Sentry asked.

“Flash is right, Ember only has 3 damage,” Soarin added.

"Well, but she can do more things," finished the light blue girl.





“When my Quaterback goes into the Vanguard Circle, I can Soul Blast for 1 and Counter blast for 1,” Spitfire said as she flipped a card in her Damage Zone and sent a card from her soul to the Drop Zone.

"And how that gonna help you?" Ember asked to which the other girl smiled.

"With that I can Superior Call 2 Spike Brothers units, from my Drop Zone," Spitfire said as she placed 2 units in the back row, to which Ember frowned, "STRIKER GIRL." (PWR8000/G1)X2

Ember knew that Spitfire was planning to beat her this turn, so she couldn't allow herself to let her guard down even for a nanosecond, otherwise it could mean her defeat.

“AND DON'T THINK I'M FINISHED, CALL,” Spitfire yelled as he called out 2 copies of the same unit in the front row, they were gargoyles in football uniforms, “WARGOYLE RECEIVER.” (PWR8000/G2)X2

Ember raised an eyebrow at the power of the Wargoyles.

Spitfire noticed and she began to explain with an evil smile on her face, "My Wargoyles earn 3,000 for every Wargoyle in the front row." (PWR14000)X2





“No holding back, Spitfire,” yelled the light blue girl.





"No, this is bad, Spitfire already has 3 attacks," Twilight Sparkle said worriedly.

"Ehhh, hehe, don't worry Twi, Ember can get out of this," Spike said nervously as he shivered.

"Umm, does he need you to slap him again?" Toola Roola asked Thorax.

“I don't think it's necessary, though I'll be on the lookout in case he loses his cool,” Thorax replied.





“First I attack your Vanguard with one of my Wargoyles,” Spitfire brought her Wargoyle horizontally.

“Guard,” Ember said as she placed Mystic Snake in the Guard Zone, “Don't think I'm finished.” (SHLD 5000)

“Grrrrr, so my Necronomicon Quaterback supported by Striker Girl, will attack your Vanguard,” she once again placed her units horizontally, this time it was her Vanguard. (PWR 21000)

“No Guard,” Ember said, “It will all come down to what I can get.”

“Twin Drive, first check,” Spitfire said as she drew a card from her deck, seeing it smirking, “CRAZY LINEBACKER, A CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

The Crystal Prep club members freaked out, if she pulled another one, it could all be over.

“The critical goes to my Vanguard, but the power boost goes to the Wargoyle that hasn't attacked yet.”

Ember only reacted with a serious look.

"Second check," Spitfire frowned, she didn't get a Trigger, it was another copy of her Necronomicon Quaterback, "No Trigger, but still suffer from the powerful lunge of a football player."

Ember could imagine it, she saw herself as Blue Flame Dragon Lord, and she was about to be attacked by Spitfire which was Necronomicon Quaterback.

At that moment.

POOWWW

“Gyahhh,” Ember nearly fell off the table.





Ember, Spike thought worriedly.





"Damage Trigger, first check," Ember recovered from the imaginary damage and set up a normal unit, "Please, I need you."

Ember: 4/6 Damage
Spitfire: 4/6 Damage

“Second check, come on,” Ember said closing her eyes and picking up the unit she was going to place in the Damage Zone.

At that moment, Ember opened her eyes and realized that the unit she was holding was a Trigger, but not just any Trigger, "POTION DRAGON, HEAL TRIGGER."

"Damn," Spitfire said annoyed.

“The power goes to my Vanguard and I heal one damage,” Ember said.

Ember: 4/6 Damage
Spitfire: 4/6 Damage





"Uff, that was pretty close," Spike said, feeling relieved.

“That was very risky,” said Coconut Cream.

"What can I say, in life you have to take risks," Minuette told her.





"Well, it seems luck was not on Spitfire's side," Flash Sentry said.

"What do you mean?" Spearhead asked.

Soarin answered for Flash, "Even if Spitfire get 2 criticals, Ember could still heal with that Heal Trigger."

"Oh."





“I hit your Vanguard with my last Wargoyle, plus he's supported by my Striker Girl, not to mention the power that Trigger gave him,” Spitfire said as she placed the units horizontally. (PWR 31000)

“Damage Trigger check,” Ember said, then placed a unit in her Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”

Ember: 5/6 Damage
Spitfire: 4/6 Damage

“You saved yourself this time, but you'll definitely be finished on my next turn, since I was able to get my….” Spitfire said but she was interrupted by Ember.

"I already told you, there won't be a next turn, Stand and Draw."





"Come on Ember," Spike said.





"Call," Ember placed in the last space of her front row, her Dragon Princess, "BLUE FLAME DRAGON PRINCESS (PWR10000/G2)

“You are only delaying the inevitable,” Spitfire told her.

“Now, I am going to use the Blue Flame Dragon Lord skill,” Ember said.

"Hehehe, and how are you going to do it, you don't have enough cards to Counter Blast…." Spitfire said laughing, but stopped when she saw Ember's Damage Zone.

She had 3 cards available and 2 cards turned face down.

“Wait a minute, that's not possible, I saw you had 3 cards face down,” Spitfire said.

“I think you forgot something important,” Ember told her, smiling.

Spitfire started to think and she remembered the previous turn, "The Heal Trigger, you healed a face down card."

“That's right, I bet it all, but I trusted my clan, because they never let me down,” Ember said as she turned over the last 3 cards in her Damage Zone.

"NOW BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE INFINITE FLAME." (PWR 23000)

“Nooooo,” Spitfire said desperately.

“Blue Flame Dragon Lord, attack your Wargoyle Receiver,” Ember said as she placed her unit horizontally.

“Gahhh,” Spitfire exclaimed as she checked her hand, she had few cards to defend but still she didn't give up, “Guard.”

“I defend myself with 2 copies of Crazy Line Backer.” (SHLD 30000)





"Oh, she did it again," Moondancer said.

“But Ember still has the Drive check,” Twilight Sparkle added.





“Twin Drive, first check,” Ember pulled a card from her deck and smiled, “Mecha Dragon, Critical Trigger gave all effects to Dragon Princess.” (PWR 20000)

"No," Spitfire thought.

"Second check," Ember didn't pull a trigger, "Hmmm."

But she didn't feel like she was going to lose this time, she saw Spitfire's hand which was short and since she had already used 2 great defenses, it seemed like it was time to take a chance.

“Now, my Blue Flame Dragon Princess will deal you the killing blow,” Ember said as she placed her unit horizontally.

“No, I, I can't stop that attack, AHHHHH,” Spitfire yelled as she checked the Damage Trigger.

“First check,” Spitfire placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”

Ember: 5/6 Damage
Spitfire: 5/6 Damage

“Second…. Check,” Spitfire said nervously, she should pull out a Heal Trigger.

Unfortunately, the unit was not a Trigger.

Ember: 5/6 Damage (Winner)
Spitfire: 6/6 Damage

Spitfire lowered her head.

At that moment Lemon Zest approached and announced the result, "The winner of this Cardfight is Ember, granting one more victory for Crystal Prep."

There was a brief silence for a few seconds, until the sound of applause from the Cardfight Club at Crystal Prep filled the room.





"YEAH EMBER," Spike yelled.

“IT WAS TOUCH AND GO BUT SHE PULLED OFF,” Thorax yelled.

“Wow, did you see that, Ember sure is strong,” Toola Roola said to which Coconut Cream nodded.

“Ember sure does work miracles,” Twilight Sparkle thought with a smile.

Everyone seemed very happy, except for the student council.

“Again, again they have a victory,” Sugarcoat said furiously.

“This is unacceptable,” Sour Sweet added even more furiously.

“Don't lose faith, I'm sure Wonderbolt Academy will crush them,” Indigo Zap said.

“They will be defeated,” Sunny Flare finished.





“We'll take a short break and then continue with the other Cardfights,” Lemon Zest announced.

Spitfire looked at Ember, she without saying anything proceeded to leave, but not before raising her thumb up as a sign of respect.

Ember smiled and she too gave a thumbs up as she walked back to her club.





"Spitfire, it was an incredible battle, anything could happen, but you didn't give up," Flash Sentry told her.

"I, I underestimated my opponent and that's why I lost," Spitfire said and then looked at Soarin, "You were right Soarin."

"Hey, don't feel bad, you may have gone too far with your word choices," Soarin said, "But your actions in the Cardfight were honest."

“But because of me, we're losing now,” Spitfire told him.

"If so, then it is time for me to enter the game," Soarin said, then turned to Flash.

Seeing his determination, Flash nodded with a smile.

"Thanks Flash," Soarin said as he pulled his deck out of his backpack, "The wind is blowing hard today, so the Cardfighting Club will have to be careful."
> Gale Force
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the battle between Ember and Spitfire, Lemon Zest announced that there would be a 20-minute break before the next round, so both teams had some extra time to relax and plan their next moves.

Soarin was with his clubmates, he was making some changes to his deck, "Hmm, I think this would be a good addition, but I should take out this other one that is also good."

"In an aggressive style maybe," Spearhead said.

"Yes, be aggressive so you can kill the dragoness," Spitfire said.

"Spitfire, aren't you just angry about your defeat?" the sky-blue girl asked.

“THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS,” Spitfire yelled causing the light blue girl to hide behind Spearhead.

"Sorry."

"Ok, I just make these changes, and it's done," said Soarin who had already modified his deck, "What do you think, Flash?"

But not hearing an answer, Soarin realized that the Flash Sentry wasn't there.

"Hey? Where did he go?" Soarin asked but after looking around, he was able to locate it.

Flash was next to Twilight in the gymnasium bleachers, it seemed that they were talking.

“Hehe, again Flash,” Soarin laughed.

"I'm beginning to doubt our captain's concentration," Spitfire said.

“Let's give him a break, we're on our break,” Soarin said.

Spitfire just glared at him.

"Alright alright, jeez," Soarin said, "I'll go get him."





Meanwhile in the hallway.

Ember was in front of a vending machine, she placed a coin and selected a bottle of water.

But the bottle got stuck.

“You gotta be kidding me,” Ember said furiously, “I don't have any more coins left.”

Ember looked at how the bottle was still stuck, she thought about it for a moment and decided to use force.

"Ok, here I go, 1, 2….." Ember was going to hit the vending machine, but was interrupted by Spike who arrived at the place.

"Allow me," Spike said as he placed a coin in the vending machine, selecting another bottle of water, causing the mechanism to push both bottles at once.

“Here,” Spike said as he handed Ember a bottle of water.

"Thanks Spike," Ember thanked taking the bottle, "I'm thirsty."

"It's the least I can do, after all, 2 wins in a row, that must be hard to get," Spike told him as he drank some water.

Ember finished drinking her water and she closed the bottle, "I won't deny it, but we shouldn't discredit Roola."

"You're right, it was because of Toola Roola that you were able to learn about Spearhead's strategy," Spike said, "Still, I also wanted to thank you for joining the club."

"You shouldn't be thanking me, Spike," Ember told him, smiling.

"But it's not just that," Spike told her, "When we went to talk to the student council, you were the one who stood up for me, not just me, the whole club, you weren't scared to confront the president.”

Ember kept listening.

“I'm a weak person who can't speak for myself, if you hadn't been there maybe the club wouldn't be possible,” Spike told her.

Hearing that, Ember decided to speak, she took Spike by his shoulders and spoke, "Spike, look at me."

That action surprised Spike, he decided to just listen to her.

“You are not weak, you are one of the strongest people I know, and you feel that way because you do not know your own potential, but I am sure that you could be the strongest Cardfighter, even more than me, because I trust you.”

Spike smiled, "Are you serious?"

Ember just nodded with a smile.

Everything seemed fine until the two realized that their faces were inches from touching causing Spike and Ember to blush.

Ember released Spike and avoided his gaze, "Well, I think we should go back."

"Yes, your battle is about to begin," Spike told her.

"Yeah," Ember agreed.

"Yeah," Spike said.

The moment had already become more awkward, so the two of them decided to quickly return to the gym.





"Okay, Flash, this is my number," Twilight told him as she handed him a piece of paper with a cell phone number on it, "Does that mean you're going to teach me how to play better?"

"Of course Twilight, it'll be fun," Flash told her as he received the paper.

"It's a date," Twilight said making Flash blush.

But the moment was short-lived when Soarin arrived, "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Umm, well, Twilight started playing Vanguard a little while ago," Flash replied, "So I offered to help her."

"Well, that's very kind of you," Soarin replied as he led Flash away by his arm, "But the battle is about to begin."

“See you later, Flash,” Twilight told him.

"Of course Twi, I won't be missing," Flash answered as he was pulled by Soarin.

“I hope you didn't tell him about your deck,” Soarin told him.

"No, I didn't, but is that a bad thing?" asked Flash.

“Not necessarily, but I understand that she is the older sister of the captain of the rival club, she could reveal your strategy to him,” Soarin answered.

"Twilight wouldn't do that," Flash replied indignantly, "And Spike is an honorable player, he wouldn't accept such information."

"Okay, maybe im exaggerating because im nervous," Soarin told him.

“Hey, you'll do well, it's like when we were at nationals, just have fun, you're a great Cardfighter and your deck is proof of that,” Flash told him.

Soarin looked at his deck and smiled, "Thank you Flash."

“Happy to help,” Flash replied.

"And about Twilight," Soarin told him making Flash blush, "Good for you, she seems to be kind of cute and nerdy."

Flash didn't say anything just stood still.

"I'm not against it, Flash, I just ask that you focus on your team today, when this is over, make your move on her," Soarin told him, running off towards the table.

Flash had been completely dumbfounded, "Um, Um, I don't know what you're talking about, and more respect to the captain," he said nervously as he ran towards the stands, making Soarin laugh as he walked away.





Twilight returned to her seat, she was smiling as she held out a piece of paper that had a phone number written on it, next to her was Flash's name.

“Smart move Twi,” Moondancer told her, “Seducing the enemy for information.”

"What?" Twilight asked indignantly, "I would never do that, I want Spike's club to win, but I would never seduce Flash to see his deck."

“Just kidding Twi,” Moondancer laughed.

"Well, it looks like you've improved your sense of humor," Lyra told her.

“Yeah, very funny,” Twi said sarcastically.

At that moment, Spike and Ember entered the gym.





Lemon Zest walked back to the center of the gym, where the blackboard was, and marked Spitfire's name.


Crystal Prep.



Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream



Wonderbolt Academy.



Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead


"Continuing with the showdown between Crystal Prep and Wonderbolt Academy, it's time to begin our next battle," Lemon Zest announced as Ember and Soarin approached the table.

“From Crystal Prep, Ember,” Lemon Zest announced as Ember sat down at the table and placed her deck there again.

“And from Wonderbolt Academy, Soarin,” Lemon Zest announced as Soarin sat down at the table and placed his deck there.

"You really are strong, you beat 2 of my teammates, why aren't you the leader of the club?" asked Soarin.

"I have my reasons," Ember replied, "Wish you luck."

“Same to you,” Soarin replied as they both shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards.

“I will return 1 card,” Ember said as she placed one of the cards from her hand into her deck and then she proceeded to draw another from her deck.

Soarin continued to look at his hand, he smiled afterwards, "I will return all 5 cards from my hand."

"Huh?" Ember wondered.





"Curious," Thorax said.

"Did he get a very bad hand?" Spike wondered.





Soarin drew 5 new cards from his deck without losing his smile.

They then placed their grade 0 face down.

“Begin,” Lemon Zest told them.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

Ember: 0/6 Damage
Soarin: 0/6 Damage

Ember flip her unit, "CHAOS EGG." (PWR4000/G0)

Soarin's unit was a bird with a round appearance as if it were a ball, its plumage was a light blue color with the exception of a feather that stood out on its back, which was mostly black, with a little green at the tip, “SKY-BORN CHICKADEE.” (PWR4000/G0)

"It can't be," Ember said in surprise.





"Gahhh," Spike yelled as he fell out of his seat, "Ouch."

"Spike, are you okay?" Toola Roola asked him.

"Yeah, I just freaked out for a bit," Spike replied.

"That little bird looks so cute, why was Spike scared?" Coconut Cream asked Thorax who was still processing the clan that possessed Soarin.

“It is because he uses the legendary wind clan, the Gale Force,” Thorax replied, still surprised.

"Spike, I don't understand what's going on, maybe Soarin did something that's not allowed, because I've never heard of that clan," Twilight told him.

"The Gale Force clan," Spike replied, "It's one of the legendary clans, among those clans are the Royal Paladin, Nubatama, Aqua Force, Link Joker, Crystal Paladin and that."

"And that means?" Twilight asked again.

“They're only given out as prizes in big tournaments, so if he has a deck like that, it means he must have been in a big tournament and did really well,” replied Spike.

“Oh no,” Twilight said.





“Gale Force, you must be very strong if you have that deck,” Ember told him, “Did you go to a big tournament?”

"That's right," replied Soarin, "Flash and I went to nationals, we did really well, we both placed in the top 4, and they gave us a deck as a prize."





Spike, who heard everything spoke to Flash despite the long distance, "Flash, does that mean you also have a legendary deck?"





Flash managed to hear Spike, who smiled and replied, "Yes Spike, but I feel that the Gold Paladin clan is better for me, somehow I feel connected to that clan, that's why I keep using it."





"Wow," Spike replied in awe.

“Oh, he's so handsome,” Twilight thought with a smile.





Returning to the battle.

"I'll go first if you don't mind, Ride," Soarin said as he took a card from his deck and placed another unit on his Vanguard, it looked like a grown version of Chickadee, this one was a kind of hawk, it was taller, you could see its gray talons, its plumage was still the same light blue color with the exception of its face where the plumage was yellow, although it did retain some markings under its eyes of the same light blue color, it had a kind of headband on its forehead and continued to retain the black feather that stood out on his back, "GUSTY HAWK." (PWR8000/G1)

“Chickadee skill,” Soarin said as he placed the grade 0 unit right behind his Vanguard, “Moves to the back row, end my turn.”

"Alright, it's my turn, Ride," Ember said as she drew a card from her deck and placed a grade 1 unit on her Vanguard, "BLUE FLAME SALAMANDER." (PWR8000/G1)

“I think I explained it to her twice, but just in case you forgot, I used her skill to draw an extra card,” Ember said as she drew a card from her deck.

Soarin smiled, "Are you sure that increasing your hand will match the power of my clan?"

Ember ignored him and placed her Vanguard horizontally, "I attack your Gusty Hawk."

"Well, no guard," Soarin said.

“Drive Trigger check,” Ember pulled a normal drive from her deck, “No Trigger.”

“Damage Trigger check,” Soarin placed a normal unit in his damage zone, “Again, no Trigger.”

Ember: 0/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage

“My turn, Ride,” Soarin said as he drew a card from his deck and placed a unit on his Vanguard, it was a unit similar to Gusty Hawk, but this one looked like an eagle and seemed to be huge, it had the same colors, but this time his marks crossed his eyes and the most remarkable thing was that he had 2 huge horns on his head, "SQUALLING AQUILA." (PWR10000/G2)

“And when a Gale Force unit rides it, i reveal the top card of my deck, and if it is a Gale Force whose grade is equal to or lower than my vanguard, i can superior call it.”

Soarin looked at the top card of his deck, he smiled, "Good, it's a grade 2 unit."

Ember frowned.

“Superior Call,” Soarin placed in the left front row a unit that looked like a kind of vulture with mechanical wings, “CYBER VULTURE.” (PWR11000/G2)

“And that's not all, Chickadee's skill allows me to return a rear guard to the top of your deck by paying a Counter Blast and put it in the soul,” Soarin said.

Ember was going to say that the effect wouldn't work since she didn't have any rear guard, but Soarin cut her off.

"But you don't have a rear guard."

“Sorry, but I didn't understand,” Ember said.

Soarin began to clarify, "If my opponent doesn't have any rear guard, I can activate his other effect and draw an extra card from my deck."

“So this is the power of a legendary clan,” Ember thought in surprise as she saw Soarin pull out a card.





“I can't believe this,” Twilight Sparkle said in surprise.

“I know what you mean Twi,” Spike said, “Usually, if a skill doesn't meet the conditions written on the card it can't be activated despite meeting most of the requirements, to think that there are cards that do things when they don't have the requirements, it's scary."





"It's time for you to step into the eye of the storm," Soarin said as he stood his Cyber ​​Vulture upright, "I attack Salamander with Cyber ​​Vulture."

“Guard,” Ember placed her Draw Trigger in the Guard Zone, “MYSTIC SNAKE.” (SHLD 5000)

Soarin frowned, "Then I'll attack with my Vanguard."

Ember thought about it for a moment, in the end she didn't want to risk losing any more cards in her hand, "No Guard."

"Drive Trigger check," Soarin pulled out a drive and looked at it, "You're very lucky, it's not a Trigger."

Ember nodded and placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage

“My turn is over,” Soarin said.





"They are both evenly matched," Spearhead said.

“But Soarin must be careful, Ember can destroy his units,” Flash Sentry said.





“My turn, Stand and Draw,” Ember said as she brought her Vanguard upright and drew a card.

Ember thought about it for a moment, she saw the cards in her hand and had to be careful what she placed.

"Alright, here I come, Ride," Ember placed a grade 2 unit on her Vanguard, "BLUE FLAME DRAGON PRINCESS." (PWR10000/G2)





"Good," Spike said smiling, "Now she can get rid of that pesky Vulture."





Ember paid a Counter Blast by flipping over her only card in her Damage Zone.

Soarin nodded quickly knowing what she was doing, he quickly placed his Cyber ​​Vulture in the Drop Zone.

"Now, Call," Ember placed 2 copies of the same unit in the front row, "DRACONIC PRIESTESS." (PWR8000/G2)X2

Soarin frowned, "What a bad time to not have rear guards."





“That girl, she's going to attack aggressively,” Spitfire said in surprise.

"Have mercy," the light blue girl covered her eyes with her hands.





“I am going to attack your Vanguard with Blue Flame Dragon Princess,” Ember said as she brought her Vanguard upright.

“No Guard,” Soarin said.

"Drive Trigger check," Ember pulled a card from her deck, but seeing it, she frowned, "No Trigger."

“Damage check,” Soarin placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Soarin: 2/6 Damage

“Draconic Priestess Skill,” Ember said, “When she attacks, she gains an extra 4000 power for every empty front row circle on my opponent's field and from what I see, you have 2 empty front circles so it'll be an 8000 boost . of power." (PWR 16000)

“Yeah, I know,” Soarin said, going to guard the attack, but he felt something.

"Huh?" He looked at his deck, he felt as if he was calling him, after thinking about it, Soarin decided to obey, "I'll take the damage."

Soarin placed another unit in his Damage Zone, he smiled seeing what it was, "It's a Draw Trigger, High Speed ​​Messenger Pigeon."

"Damn," Ember said with a frown.

Ember: 1/6 Damage
Soarin: 3/6 Damage

“I power up Squalling Aquila and draw an extra card,” Soarin said as he drew a card from his deck and added it to his hand. (PWR 20000)

“My turn is over,” Ember said knowing her Priestess's attack would fail to hit her Vanguard.





"Don't worry Ember," Spike encouraged, "You still have the advantage when it comes to damage."





Ember smiled hearing Spike, she felt strength having him close.

“Okay, it's my turn, Stand and Draw,” Soarin said laying his Vanguard horizontally and drawing a card from his deck.

Seeing the card he pulled out, Soarin smiled, "So you came."

Ember was confused to hear that, but she knew something big was coming.





Flash looked at Soarin, seeing his look he smiled, "Come on Soarin, show us your power."





“BRING TO THIS BATTLE A TORNADO WHOSE POWER IS SO STRONG THAT IT BLOWS MY ADVERSARIES, RIDE,” Soarin placed a unit on his Vanguard, which looked like a superior, anthropomorphic version of Squalling Aquila, it was a huge bird standing on 2 legs only now this one had dark blue plumage on its legs and wings, while light blue plumage was on its chest and arms, it looked like it was wearing a helmet on its head and its muscles were showing, "HURRICANE GARUDA." (PWR12000/G3)





"Oh no," Spike said, "The mighty Garuda, the wind god."

“He is in front of us,” Thorax said, “we are gonna witness the power of a god.”

Twi just gulp





Ember could imagine Garuda, he looked so imposing and terrifying, suddenly she saw herself on the planet Cray, where she could see that with Garuda's presence, his rear guard units left the field.

"Garuda's skill," Soarin said with a smile.

“You better prepare yourself,” Soarin said, “Because the wind is blowing hard today, it is in my favor and that will decide the outcome of the battle.”

Ember just looked at him seriously, then she saw her field empty except for her Vanguard, she knew she would have to give her all to have a chance.
> The Power of a Wind God
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The battle between Ember and Soarin continued, no one expected that the latter had a legendary clan in his position, his Vanguard, a god of the wind that looked very powerful, made Ember not lower her guard.

All the spectators were surprised.





"What happened to Ember's rear guards?" Moondancer asked.

“They were sent to the top of his deck,” Thorax replied.

"It must have been Garuda's skill," Twilight Sparkle added to which Spike nodded, "Thats right."





“Garuda skill,” Soarin said, “When I ride a Gale Force unit, units that are grade 2 or lower in your front row are sent to the top of your deck, at the end of my turn, you draw the same number of cards I send to your deck.”

Ember frowned, now she only had her Vanguard on the field.

“Now I attack with Hurricane Garuda,” Soarin said as he brought his Vanguard to a horizontal position.

That made his teammates confused.





"Hey? Didn't he call his rear guards?" Spearhead asked.

"Noooo, that idiot," Spitfire said, "He didn't think it through."

But Flash Sentry smiled, "No, on the contrary, Soarin is very smart."





Ember was confused for a moment, she didn't know why he didn't call his rear guards, but she didn't have time to think about that because she had to decide to defend herself, "I know I don't have Triggers on the top of my deck, but if i do defend myself now, I'll be a bit exposed on my next turn."

Soarin raised an eyebrow, he didn't know what Ember was planning, but he was surprised when he heard her next words.

“No Guard.”

"Then, Twin Drive," Soarin smiled.

"First check," Soarin pulled out a card and smiled at it, "CRITICAL TRIGGER, SPEARING WOODPECKER."

“Grrrrr,” Ember growled.

“Second check,” Soarin smiled as he drew a copy of the previous card, “Alright, another Woodpecker.”





“Double Critical?” Spike exclaimed, "It can't be."





Ember wordlessly placed 3 normal units into her Damage Zone, she frowned as none of those units were Triggers.

Ember: 4/6 Damage
Soarin: 3/6 Damage

“How do you like that?” Soarin asked as Ember drew 2 cards from her deck.

“Don't be so arrogant, my turn,” Ember said as she drew a card and stood her Vanguard upright.

"NOW, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR QUEEN, SHOOT THIS PLANET WITH THE FLAME OF POWER, RIDE," Ember placed a unit on her Vanguard, it was her best unit, "BLUE FLAME DRAGON LORD." (PWR13000/G3)

Soarin showed no fear of her unit.

“I'll wipe that smile off your face when you see the skill of….” Ember said but stopped when she saw Soarin's field.

“You don't have rear guards,” Ember said in surprise.

“That's right, I know your Dragon Lord's skill only works on attacking a rear guard, but now that effect has been nullified,” Soarin said.





"Oh, I see," Spitfire said in surprise, "That's why he didn't put up any rear guards."

"To weaken Ember's Vanguard skill," Spearhead added.

"I told you Soarin knew what he was doing," Flash Sentry told them.





"Oh no, this is bad, it's very bad," Twilight Sparkle said.

"Ember, hold on," Spike said.





"If I can't use my skill, then I'll hit you with all my might, Call," Ember said as she placed 2 copies of the same card in her front row, "SNIPER WYVERN." (PWR13000/G2)X2

Soarin frowned.

“Counter Blast 2 so they can attack,” Ember placed 2 cards face down in her Damage Zone.

"I'm not done yet, Call," Ember placed a unit in the back row, right behind her Vanguard, "BLUE FLAME SALAMANDER." (PWR8000/G1)

"I only get one chance, but it's not something I can control," Ember thought, "But it's better than doing nothing."

“I attack with my Dragon Lord supported by Salamander,” Ember placed her Vanguard horizontally and her unit in the back row. (PWR 21000)

“No Guard,” Soarin said.

"Then, Twin Drive, first check," Ember pulled a card from her deck, seeing it she smiled, "BERSERK HATCHLING, CRITICAL TRIGGER."

“Hmff,” Soarin sighed with a serious look.

“Second check,” Ember said as she was about to draw a card, making the spectators nervous.

The Wonderbolt Academy club members were nervous, hoping that Ember wouldn't get another critical.

While the Crystal Prep club members had their hopes up to the max.





"Come on Ember, trust your deck," Spike said.





"Come on, please," Ember pulled a card from her deck.

Seeing her she was surprised, "It can't be."

But afterwards, she smiled, "Another copy of Berserk Hatchling, a Double Critical, which means a total of 3 damage."

“Nooo,” Soarin yelled.





"She made it, she made it," Spike yelled with excitement.

“She had little chance, and she still made it,” Moondancer said.

"Spike's right, maybe having faith in your cards will help as well as calculating any odds," Twilight Sparkle added.





At that moment, Soarin imagined himself as Hurricane Garuda who was about to be struck by the Dragon Lord's scepter.

POW

Crash

Bam

Garuda was hit 3 times by the Dragon Lord.

“Gyahhh,” Soarin yelled as he lost his balance falling off his chair in the process.





“Soarin,” Flash Sentry yelled, concerned for his friend.





“Still… I'm not…. I am not defeated yet,” Soarin said as he recovered and sat back down.

Ember noticed Soarin's look, "I know that look, he hasn't given up hope yet."

“Damage Trigger, first check,” Soarin said placing a normal unit in his Damage Zone.

Ember: 4/6 Damage
Soarin: 4/6 Damage

“Second check,” Soarin brought out another normal unit and placed it in his Damage Zone.

Ember: 4/6 Damage
Soarin: 5/6 Damage

Soarin closed his eyes before taking out the last card.





Spearhead trembled with fear.

"It's over," Spitfire yelled.

But Flash looked at Soarin with hope in his eyes.





At that moment Soarin opened his eyes showing a look of strength, "FINAL CHECK."

Soarin drew the last card and placed it in his Damage Zone.

He smiled, "SOOTHING SONGBIRD, HEAL TRIGGER."

"What?" Ember wondered.





"What?" everyone in the Crystal Prep club wondered, including Twi and her friends.





Even those on his own team were shocked, except Flash.

“Good job Soarin.”





"I can heal a damage."

Ember: 4/6 Damage
Soarin: 5/6 Damage

Ember still processing what happened, decided to attack with her Wyverns, "I attack."

But Soarin defended himself against each attack with the criticals he had pulled on the previous turn, "Guard."

“I'm done… my turn,” Ember said.





"Gems," Spike exclaimed, "She just has to survive and she'll be fine."





“My turn, Stand and Draw,” Soarin drew a card from his deck and placed his Vanguard horizontally.

“Call,” Soarin placed on the front row 2 copies of the same unit, which was an anthropomorphic albatross in a black suit and carrying a dagger, “ROGUE ALBATROSS.” (PWR10000/G2)X2

“Rogue Albatros skill,” Soarin said paying a Counter Blast for each albatross, that is 2, and charging 2 cards from his deck into his soul, “I pay 1 Counter Blast and Soul Charge 2.”

"What are you planning?" Ember wondered.

"My Albatross gain 5000 every time I Soul Charge and they can also gain an extra 5000 when I Soul Blast, and that's what I'll do, I activate Garuda's other skill."

At that moment, Ember could imagine Garuda moving his wings at full force.

“I Soul Blast 5, for every card I use in Soul Blast, you must return a card to your deck,” Soarin said and then smiled, “So even if you drew 5 new cards at the end of my turn, you will return 5 cards to your deck.”

“It can't be possible,” Ember said, returning 5 cards that Soarin randomly chose.

"And since I did Soul Blast, my Albatross will gain a boost." (PWR 20000)

"And that's not all, Garuda earns 1000 for each card sent from your hand to your deck." (PWR 17000)

Ember swallowed hard.





“Oh no, Ember is in trouble,” Toola Roola said.

“Yes, with that power boost, it will be difficult for her to defend herself,” said Coconut Cream.

"Not to mention most of her defense was returned to her deck," Thorax added.

"EMBER," Spike yelled.





“I attack your Vanguard with Albatross,” Soarin brought his Albatross horizontally.

"Intercept," Ember said as she placed her copies of Sniper Wyvern in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 10000)

“I attack with Hurricane Garuda,” Soarin placed his Vanguard horizontally.

“Perfect Guard,” Ember placed Platinum Drake in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 0)





“She still had a perfect guard left?” Spearhead wondered.





“Twin Drive, first check,” Soarin pulled a card from his deck but saw that it was a normal unit.

"Come on Garuda, lend me the power of the wind so that you and I can achieve victory in this battle, second check," Soarin drew a card from his deck, he smiled, "Thank you Garuda."

"That's a bad sign," Ember thought.

Soarin smilingly showed the unit to Ember, but not before placing the Albatross that he attacked earlier, vertically, "RISING RAVEN, A STAND TRIGGER, I GIVE ALL THE EFFECTS TO ALBATROS."





"Yeah," shouted Flash, "Come on Soarin, it's your last chance."





“I attack with Albatross,” Soarin placed his unit horizontally.

Ember who no longer had any useful guard in her hand had no choice, "Damage Trigger check."

Ember placed a normal unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 5/6 Damage
Soarin: 5/6 Damage

At that moment Soarin placed his last unit horizontally, "And lastly, I attacked with Albatross."

"Grrr, Damage Trigger," Ember said, hiding her nerves, "Check."





"If the attack is successful, Soarin will have won the battle," Spitfire said.

“That's right, but, it's too early to celebrate, she might still have a Heal,” the sky blue girl said.

But Flash just watched silently with a look of hope.





Ember took out a card closing her eyes, opening them little by little, she managed to see a yellow border at the bottom of the unit, she opened her eyes completely, but the result was not what I expected.

“Draw Trigger, sorry guys.” Ember said without showing an expression, at which point she placed the unit in her Damage Zone.

Ember: 6/6 Damage
Soarin: 5/6 Damage (Winner)

“I…I lost,” Ember said looking at the ground.

Many were shocked at how close the fight was, but Lemon Zest as narrator had to do her job.

"Victory for Wonderbolt Academy, the winner is Soarin."

Hearing that, everyone recovered from the shock and celebrated.





“Well done Soarin,” said Spitfire and the sky blue girl at the same time.

“We tied the score again,” Spearhead celebrated.

“You did it Soarin,” Flash Sentry said smiling, “You should be proud of that victory.”





“I admit you did well,” Soarin told Ember.

Ember looked at Soarin, she was still hurt by her defeat, but smiled instantly, "Thanks, now I can see that it was the deck that chose you."

“I only won because I got the right Triggers out, it was luck,” Soarin said.

"NOTHING ABOUT THAT, DON'T TRY TO BE MODEST WITH ME," Ember yelled, scaring Soarin, "YOU ARE A GREAT CARDFIGHTER, NEVER DENY IT."

Soarin nodded scared as Ember returned to her team.





“Great, it's getting better,” Sugarcoat said with a wicked smile.

“With their only strong player gone, the Cardfighting Club won't stand a chance,” Sour Sweet said with an evil smile.

Hearing that, Twilight Sparkle giggled.

"What is so funny?" asked Indigo Zap.

Moondancer answered for her, "Its funny you think that Ember is the only strong player in the club."

“Yeah, you haven't seen the others play,” Minuette said.

“You're only judged on their looks,” Twinkleshine added.

“For that, you will be in for a big surprise,” Lemon Hearts said.

As Ember returned, she lowered her head again.

But none of her teammates were mad at her, they couldn't blame her after the previous 2 wins she had given them.

Ember came up, "I, I should have done better."

"What are you talking about?" Toola Roola asked her.

“You did it very well,” Thorax said.

“Anything could have happened in that battle,” said Coconut Cream.

Ember smiled, but her smile faded instantly, "Still, I feel like I could have given more, if only I…"

Ember was interrupted when she felt 2 arms around her waist, she lowered her head and realized that feeling was Spike hugging her.

"You did well Ember, I'm so grateful to have you on the team, and to have you in my life," Al Spike blushed when he said that last part.

Ember blushed upon hearing Spike, "Thanks Spike."

“But if you let me ask, what are you doing?!” She asked with her arms raised.

"It's called a hug!" Spike replied, Ember raising an eyebrow.

"Oh...um, I don't know if I like it, but...okay." She said still blushing patted him on the head as Spike hugged her tighter, Spike's friends silently chuckling at the sight.

"Nice move Spike," Twilight Sparkle said.





At that moment Lemon Zest marked one of the names on the board again.


Crystal Prep.



Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream



Wonderbolt Academy.



Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead


"Alright, who's the next cardfighter to fight Soarin?" I ask Lemon Zest to the Crystal Prep club.





"Hmm, I guess I'm out, since im gonna be in the final fight," Spike said, then turned to Coconut Cream and Thorax, "Well, which of you two would like to fight a legendary clan?"

At that moment, Coconut Cream took a step back and pushed Thorax away.

"Hey," Thorax complained.

"Thank you for offering Thorax," Spike thanked with a smile.

“But, but I don't….” Thorax said but Spike cut him off.

"Remember to watch out for your units," Spike reminded him, "He's going to be a tough opponent."

Thorax gave up and simply decided to accept, "Well, sooner or later it would be my turn."

"I will do my best," Thorax told Spike, "I will not let Ember's defeat be in vain."

Spike smiled, "Then go get him."

Still afraid, Thorax nodded and headed for the table.





"About time a male from that school came to the battle," Spitfire said.

"Did you saw the only 2 boys in the club, I think Ember is more of a male than both of them combined," the sky blue girl laughed making Spitfire laugh too.

"SILENCE," Flash yelled at them, "A cardfighter is not judged by his appearance, always treat your opponent with respect, remember that."

They nodded scared, they had hardly ever heard Flash Sentry raise his voice.





“I am your next opponent,” Thorax told Soarin as he sat down at the table.

“If you want your club to stand a chance, you'll have to get past me,” Soarin told him, smiling.

“Its gonna be my pleasure,” Thorax told him with a smile as he show him his deck box, after that he was ready.

“Excellent, then let the fifth battle between Crystal Prep and Wonderbolt Academy begin,” Lemon Zest announced.

“From the Wonderbolt Academy, Soarin,” Lemon Zest announced as Soarin remained at the table.

“And from Crystal Prep, Thorax,” Lemon Zest announced as Thorax sat down at the table and placed his deck there again.

The battle was about to begin, but before that there was the sound of the gym door opening.

“Ugh, I hope Its not too late,” the others heard a voice that the Crystal Prep students recognized.

"Nurse Chrysalis?" Twilight asked, "What are you doing here?"

The nurse sat on the bench next to Twi, “Isn't it obvious? What kind of mother would I be if I wasn't here to cheer for my son?"

“Come on Thorax, you can beat him,” Chrysalis yelled as she held up two Megacolony clan flags.





“Mom,” said Thorax with a blush of embarrassment.

Soarin laughed.

After that, the two shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards, but not before turning their Vanguard face down.

“I will return 1 card,” Thorax said.

“I will return 3 cards,” Soarin said.

Then the 2 shuffled their decks and took out the cards.

“Begin,” Lemon Zest told them.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

Thorax: 0/6 Damage
Soarin: 0/6 Damage

Thorax flipped his card over, "COCOON OF THE LOVE EATER." (PWR6000/G0)

As Soarin flipped his, "SKY-BORN CHICKADEE." (PWR4000/G0)

"I must win, I will keep fighting and protect the honor of our academy, and your honor, Flash," Soarin thought.

“I have to work hard, for our club and for you Spike, you are my first friend and a person who changed my life, that's why I'll fight for our club,” thought Thorax.

The 2 were more ready than ever, even if fear invaded Thorax, he would continue fighting.

And with that, the battle began, the pride of the Cardfighters will be what guides them to the victory.
> Why be a King when you can be a God?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The duel between Thorax and Soarin began, the 2 had the situation in a draw with 2 wins and 2 losses, neither could disappoint their team.

“Like, the previous victory was Soarin's, you get to choose whether you go first or second,” Lemon Zest told Thorax.

Thorax thought about it for a moment, but after analyzing the situation, he made his decision, "Soarin, start first, I'll take second turn."





"Good idea Thorax," Spike said "So he can have the first attack."

“And more option to be able to paralyze his units,” Ember added.

"Umm, paralyze?" asked Coconut Cream.

“The Megacolony clan specializes in paralyze units so they can't Stand next turn,” Spike replied.

"Which means they won't be able to attack," Ember added.

"Insects are so interesting and eye-catching," Moondancer said as she pulled out a notebook, then she looked at Thorax, "Just like the boy who chose them for his deck."

"What did you say?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Uhm…. Nothing,” Moondancer replied as she blushed.

“GO THORAX, BEAT HIM,” Nurse Chrysalis yelled as she waved her Megacolony clan flags.





“You have a very good mother,” Soarin told Thorax.

“I guess so,” Thorax replied with a smile, then glanced at the flags she held, “Though I regret teaching her how to use a color printer.”

"Well, I guess I'm going to Ride," Soarin said as he placed a unit on his Vanguard, "GUSTY HAWK." (PWR8000/G1)

“Chickadee skill,” Soarin said as he placed the grade 0 unit right behind his Vanguard, “Moves to the back row, and i can´t attack, so I end my turn.”

"Very well, then it's my turn, Ride," Thorax said as he drew a card from his deck and placed a grade 1 unit on his Vanguard, "DARK ANT SOLDIER." (PWR8000/G1)

“My Cocoon's skill allows me to move it into a rear-guard circle,” Thorax moved the Cocoon to the back of his field, now right behind Dark Ant Soldier.

Hmm, boost power, Soarin thought, and he didn't spend a single card from his hand.

“Boosted with my Cocoon, Dark Ant Soldier attacks your Vanguard,” Thorax said as he placed his units horizontally.

“No Guard,” Soarin said.

“Drive Trigger check,” Thorax said as he pulled a drive from his deck, he smiled at it, “FLAME MOTH, A CRITICAL TRIGGER.”

"Double damage on the first turn," Soarin said, "I can't believe it."





“THEN BELIEVE IT YOU FOOL,” Chrysalis yelled at him.





“SHUT UP OLD LADY,” Spitfire yelled at her.





"OLD LADY?" Chrysalis asked indignantly as she stood up and walked over to the side of Wonderbolt Academy, "For your information, I'm only 35 years old."

"No Miss Chrysalis," Twilight told her as she stopped her, "It's not worth it."





"SHE IS RIGHT OLD LADY, IT'S NOT WORTH IT, WHY YOU DON'T RETURN TO YOUR SEAT, MAYBE IT'S PRUDENT THAT...." Spitfire kept yelling but was interrupted.

POW

The light blue girl had hit her on the head, causing her to lose consciousness.

"I'm sorry," the light blue girl apologized, as she led Spitfire away while she was still unconscious, "It won't happen again."





Returning to battle.

“Damage Trigger, first check.”

Thorax: 0/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage

"Second check," Soarin said as he put a unit into his Damage Zone, he was relieved to see it, "SOOTHING SONGBIRD, HEAL TRIGGER."

Thorax: 0/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage





“Who would have thought that pulling out a Heal Trigger early would work this time,” Flash Sentry said.





"My turn, Ride," Soarin said as he drew a card and placed a card on his Vanguard, "SQUALLING AQUILA." (PWR10000/G2)

“And you know it, when a Gale Force unit rides it, i reveal the top card of my deck, and if it is a Gale Force whose grade is equal to or lower than my vanguard, i can superior call it.”

Soarin looked at the top card of his deck, "Guess it'll do some good."

“Superior Call,” Soarin placed in the left front row a copy of his grade 1 unit, "GUSTY HAWK." (PWR8000/G1)

"And don't forget Chickadee's Skill, I put it in the Soul, pay a Counter Blast and send your Cocoon to the top of your deck."

Thorax frowned as he placed his Grade 0 unit on top of his deck.

“Then, I Call,” Soarin placed a copy of his Vanguard on the right front row, "SQUALLING AQUILA." (PWR10000/G2)





"Dammit," Spike said.

“3 attacks,” Ember said, “He clearly wants to finish him off as soon as possible.”





“Now I attack with my Gusty Hawk,” Soarin brought his unit to a horizontal position.

“Damage Trigger check,” Thorax placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone.

Thorax: 1/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage

“Now I will attack you with my Vanguard,” Soarin brought Gusty Hawk horizontally.

“No Guard,” Thorax said, he couldn't lose any cards from his hand, not if he wanted his plan to go well.

“Drive Trigger check,” Soarin pulled out a card and smiled again, “Looks like my deck is responding pretty well to me today, Heal Trigger.”

Thorax: 1/6 Damage
Soarin: 0/6 Damage

“Dammit, this is bad,” Thorax thought as he placed a unit in his Damage Zone and Soarin removed the only card from his Damage Zone.

Thorax: 2/6 Damage
Soarin: 0/6 Damage

“Again,” Soarin placed his last rear guard horizontally.

Thorax: 3/6 Damage
Soarin: 0/6 Damage





“This is bad, Soarin has recovered from his damage, while Thorax has 3 damage,” Twilight Sparkle said.

“At least he has the advantage when it comes to cards in his hand,” Spike added.

“I wouldn't normally think of using this, but desperate situations call for desperate measures,” Nurse Chrysalis said as she dropped her Megacolony clan flags.

At that moment, she took out a huge flag of the Megacolony clan from her bag.

"Miss Chrysalis, how did you get that thing to fit in your bag?" Spike asked.

"With hard work Spike," Chrysalis replied, as she now waved the huge flag, "DON'T GIVE UP THORAX."





“I won't give up mom,” Thorax replied with a smile, “But you should stop waving that thing around, someone could get hurt.”





"What are you talking about?" Chrysalis asked at the same time she was waving the flag when suddenly she heard some voices.

"Help."

"We can't breathe."

Twilight and Spike shouted as they had become entangled in the fabric of the huge flag.

"Oh, that's what he meant," Chrysalis released the flag releasing the siblings from their choking, "Sorry guys."





"Stand and Draw," Thorax placed his unit vertically and drew a card from his deck, he analyzed the situation, Soarin had his front row full, but he had more cards in his hand, if he played his cards well, literally and metaphorically, it could turn this cardfight for good.

“I can't lose,” Thorax said and then remembered the time he started playing Vanguard.





Several months ago.

Thorax was at the mall, he had accompanied his mother, while they were resting, Chrysalis saw Spike in the distance.

"Thorax, isn't that your friend?" Chrysalis asked her son.

"Hey, you're right, there's Spike, I'll go say hello," Thorax replied, at that moment he got up and went to where Spike was who entered a store.

Upon arrival, Thorax saw the sign, “Dragon Booster? It must be some card game store, but of course, Spike told me that he plays a game like that."

Thorax entered the store, upon entering, he saw Spike who had a booster pack in his hand, he sat down at a table and opened it.

Spike smiled at the cards he got, most of all, a card which featured a picture of a dog with purple and green fur and a collar with a heart marked, "Great, its the Brave and Glorious Hound."

Thorax smiled at how excited Spike was, he leaned in, "So that's what you play?"

“Gahhh,” Spike yelled in surprise, turning around and realizing Thorax was there.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,” Thorax apologized.

"Thorax, hi, I didn't think I'd run into you here," Spike greeted.

“Actually,” Thorax replied, “I was just over here and saw you pass by, but since I'm here, I'd be interested in hearing about Vanguard.”

Spike smiled, "Well, it's a lot of fun, and kind of magical if you think about it."

But at that moment, Spike pulled out a lot of cards from a box.

"I have a better idea, these are cards I don't use, pick one and we can make your deck based on that card or clan," Spike told him.

"Wow, thanks Spike, that's very generous of you," Thorax agreed as he looked at the cards Spike held out to him.

He had been surprised at the variety of the game, many clans, he saw the designs, ranging from humans to beings that he only saw in the fantasy books he read.

But a card caught his attention, which seemed to be a kind of king with insect wings, it looked imposing, and without thinking twice, Thorax took that card.

"That's the Changeling King, of the Megacolony clan," Spike told him, "The Megacolony is a clan of insects."

Thorax smiled, "Well, I like insects, and I don't know why, but seeing the Changeling King, I felt him calling me."

"That's the spirit, Thorax," Spike told him and then went straight to the counter and grabbed a deck, "Luckily for both of us, the Megacolony deck is half price this week."

"Mr. Torch, I'd like to buy this," Spike told him as he handed him $4.

Mr. Torch agreed and sold Spike a Megacolony deck.

"Here you go," Spike told Thorax as he handed him the deck.

"Thanks a lot, Spike," Thorax said as he pulled out his wallet to at least pay for half the deck.

"Thorax, you don't have to pay me anything, it's a gift," Spike told him.

"But…"

"Thorax, you're my best friend, and now you're playing Vanguard, what more could I ask for, besides it's only a measly 4 bucks that I would have spent on something stupid," Spike told him.

Thorax smiled.





“It was thanks to Spike, he introduced me to Vanguard, he gave me this deck and I won't let him down, Ride,” said Thorax as he placed a unit on his Vanguard, "CHANGELING KNIGHT." (PWR10000/G2)

“Now, you will be trapped in my web,” Thorax told Soarin with a determined look, “The Changeling Knight skill allows me to trap a unit other than the Vanguard, now your Aquilla won't be able to stand in the next turn.”

"And I'm not done yet, Call," Thorax placed on the left front row a copy of his Vanguard, "CHANGELING KNIGHT."(PWR10000/G2)

“I can paralyze another unit again, but since I put it in rear guard, I have to pay a Counter Blast,” Thorax said as he flipped a card in his Damage Zone, "Hawk will be trapped as well.”

Soarin frowned, now almost his entire front row was paralyzed.

“Now I attack your Vanguard with mine,” Thorax said, laying his Changeling Knight horizontally.

“No Guard,” Soarin said.

"Drive Trigger check," Thorax pulled a card from his deck, but it was a normal drive, "No Trigger."

“Damage Trigger check,” Soarin placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone.

Thorax: 3/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage

“I will now attack with my other Knight,” Thorax brought his last unit horizontal.

“I protect myself with High Speed ​​Messenger Pigeon,” Soarin placed his Draw Trigger in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 5000)

Thorax frowned, "Gghh, my turn is over."

“My turn, Stand and…” Soarin said but realized he couldn't Stand his rear guards, so he just did it to the Vanguard, “Draw.”

“THATS IT, BRING TO THIS BATTLE A TORNADO WHOSE POWER IS SO STRONG THAT IT BLOWS MY ADVERSARIES, RIDE,” Soarin placed his best unit in the Vanguard circle, "HURRICANE GARUDA." (PWR12000/G3)

“Now your Changeling Knight goes to the top of your deck,” Soarin said as Thorax placed his unit on his deck.





"No, Garuda again," Twilight said worriedly.

“I should wave the flag again, just in case….” Chrysalis said but was cut off by the shout from the student council.

"NO."





“I can't afford to lose, after everything that happened with Flash by my side,” Soarin said as he reminisced about the national tournament.





Several months ago.

Soarin was in the national tournament, and he had an opponent whom he hoped they would meet until the final, but fate had other plans for him.

“Flash,” Soarin said seeing his opponent face to face, he couldn't believe he would be facing his best friend in the semifinals.

“Sorain,” Flash said in equal surprise, only flashing a smile, “It's a surprise, but I've been looking forward to playing with you in this tournament.”

Soarin smiled, he was aware that he wasn't the strongest in the tournament, but that Flash longed to have a battle against him, he couldn't let him down, "Thank you Flash, I'll do my best."

"I sure do," Flash Sentry replied.

At that moment the narrator was heard.

“THEY ARE READY FOR THE BATTLES OF THE SEMIFINALS, TODAY’S DUEL, FLASH SENTRY VS SOARIN, THEY CAME TO THE TOURNAMENT TOGETHER AND GOT ​​HERE, THEY ARE BEST FRIENDS, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THIS MATCH WILL BE ANYTHING BUT IT WILL NOT BE BORING.”

The 2 placed their decks on the table, it was a huge table.

“STAND UP, VANGUARD.”

All the spectators shouted the same thing at the same time as Flash and Soarin.

“Stand Up, Vanguard.”

By placing his units on the table, they had materialized, the table used the Motion Figure System, a device that produced 3D models of the units called to the battlefield.

The battle began, it was a close battle where there were attacks, blocks, interceptions and a lot of luck in the Trigger check, but after several minutes, Flash Sentry had summoned his Vanguard.

“SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY, SUPERIOR RIDE,” shouted Flash as he placed a card on top of the Drake, the card showed a bipedal yellow dragon with golden armor, it had blue spines on its back, shoulders, and knees, on its chest it had a shield that had a lightning bolt in the center, and, furthermore, the dragon wore a golden sword, “FLASH HEART DRAGON.” (PWR12000/G3)

“Flash Heart Dragon, this is going to hurt,” Soarin said.

“Now I'll attack with Flash Heart Dragon, let's go all out,” Flash said as he placed his Flash Heart Dragon horizontally.

Soarin checked his hand, but realized that he didn't have enough defense, he had no choice, “No…. Guard.”

"Drive Trigger check," Flash drew a card from his deck, a normal drive, "No Trigger."

“Second check, mmm, No Trigger.”

But no luck for Soarin as he realized he could only win if he landed 2 Heal Triggers in a row.

“Damage Trigger….check,” Soarin said a bit dejectedly, and then he saw that he didn't get any Heal.

Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage (Winner)
Soarin: 6/6 Damage

“THE WINNER IS FLASH SENTRY, HE WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINALS.”

The entire audience cheered for his victory.

At that moment the units on the table vanished, indicating that it had been turned off.

Soarin lowered his head and looked at the ground, he didn't know if he even made Flash break a sweat, but his doubts were dispelled when he felt Flash's hand on his shoulder, "You did very well Soarin, it was a great fight."

Soarin's look changed from one of sadness to one of joy but showing a tear in his eye, "I think I could have done better."

"Nonsense, it's true that we can all improve, but you fought with your heart, you shouldn't regret that," Flash told him with a smile.

Soarin smiled and looked at Flash, "Don't worry, I won't."





"Even though I lost that time, I'm sure I could have given Flash a better fight," Soarin thought, "But despite everything, Flash considers me a very powerful player, he's my best friend, so I can't let him down, I am going to show him what I am capable of, and one day, we will return to the tournament, where we will have our rematch and for that, I cannot lose, I WILL NOT LOSE.”

“Now, i Call,” Soarin set up a unit that looked like a condor with a blue aura surrounding it, “CHARGING CONDOR.” (PWR7000/G1)

But seeing the unit he had placed, Thorax was confused, "Wait a minute, that's a Perfect Guard."

"That's right," Soarin answered.

"But why do you put up a Perect Guard, wouldn't it serve you better to defend yourself?" Thorax asked.

“Normally yes, but my Condor has a very powerful effect,” Soarin said as he placed 2 cards from his deck into the Soul and placed his unit horizontally, “By placing it on rest, I can Soul Charge 2 to my Vanguard.”

“Uh oh,” Thorax said knowing that what would come next would not be pretty.

“I Soul Blast 5, for every card I use in Soul Blast, you must return a card to your deck,” Soarin said and then smiled.

“Damn, and I already had a lot of defensive Triggers in my hand,” Thorax said as he returned 5 cards to his deck.





"Ahhh, that damn skill," Spike said.





"And you know it, Garuda earns 1000 for each card sent from your hand to your deck." (PWR 17000)

Thorax frowned.

“Now, attack,” Soarin placed his Vanguard horizontally.

Thorax couldn't defend himself, he had to accept the damage, "No Guard."

“Twin Drive, first check,” Soarin said and drew a normal drive from his deck, “No Trigger.”

Thorax was relieved to hear that.

“Second check,” Soarin drew the next card, he smiled, “CRITICAL TRIGGER, SPEARING WOODPECKER.”

Thorax gritted his teeth in concern, "It can't be."

At that moment, he imagined himself on the planet Cray, where he was the Changeling Knight who was caught in a tornado generated by Garuda.

“GYAHHHHH.”

Thorax came back to reality and placed 2 cards in his Damage Zone.

Thorax: 5/6 Damage
Soarin: 1/6 Damage

Thorax saw his Damage Zone and worried, "If I don't do anything to remedy this situation, I'll end up like a moth headed for the flames."





"Don't worry, Thorax," Spike told him.

“Yeah, now that he used all the cards in the Soul,” Moondancer said.

"Which means he won't be able to return any more cards to your hand," Twilight Sparkle added.

"No," Ember said.

Everyone turned to Ember, who looked very worried.

"His Perfect Guard has another effect," Ember said.





“Before I end my turn, I'll use the other effect of Charging Condor,” Soarin said as he moved his condor to the Soul and placed 5 cards from his deck into the Soul, “If I Soul Blasted this turn, I can Soul Charge as well. to the number of cards you use in Soul Blast.”





“HE GOT HIS SOUL BACK,” Spike yelled in fright, “Now he can use Garuda's skill again on his next turn.”





“Soarin knows how to use his resources, retrieving the Soul like that wouldn't even have occurred to me,” Flash Sentry said with a smile.

"Now he just need to wait for the next turn and the victory is for him," added the light blue girl.





“My turn is over,” Soarin said.

Thorax glared at him and drew 5 cards from his deck.

“My turn, Stand and Draw,” Thorax said as he stood his Vanguard upright and drew a card from his deck.

"You're a good Cardfighter," Soarin told him, "But I went to the national, you know you'll have a hard time with me."

But Thorax ignored him, and went to place his Grade 3 unit.

"This isn't over yet," Thorax thought.

“WITH THE NOBILITY OF A BENEVOLENT KING, YOU WILL BRING PEACE TO YOUR KINGDOM BY ELIMINATING INJUSTICE, SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND FIGHT, RIDE,” Thorax shouted and placed a unit on his Vanguard, it was a man dressed in green clothes, he seemed to be some kind of fairy, and he had wings in his back, “CHANGELING KING.” (PWR13000/G3)

Soarin's pupils shrank, he was before the king of the Megacolony clan, but he recovered his posture when he remembered that he still had Garuda, the Wind God.

"But I'm not impressed, why be a king when you can be a god?" Soarin told Thorax as he pointed at Garuda.

"A king can defeat a god," said Thorax, "He needs to believe."

“This battle is about to end, but if Thorax can't make a difference, Soarin will most likely win the battle next turn, Thorax can handle all that pressure?” Lemon Zest announced.

"Of course I can," Thorax thought, "Before this, I was someone different, a cowardly person, but I'll show how much I've changed, I just need a chance."





Flash Sentry raised an eyebrow at Thorax's determined look.





"DON'T GIVE UP THORAX," Spike and Ember yelled at the same time.





“CALL,” Thorax yelled as he placed almost all of the units in his hand, putting 2 Grade 2 units in the front row and 3 Grade 1 units in the back row.

"CHANGELING KNIGHT." (PWR10000/G2)

“SWORDSPIDER .” (PWR10000/G2)

"DARK ANT SOLDIER." (PWR8000/G1)X2

“CHAINSAW SCARAB.” (PWR8000/G1)





"WHOA," Spike exclaimed, "Thorax really goes with full power."

"It sacrifice almost his entire hand," Ember said, "You must make it count."





“Grrr, no matter how strong your attacks are,” Soarin told him, “None of them can hit me this turn.”

"We'll see about that, supported by Dark Ant Soldier, my Changeling Knight attacks Garuda," Thorax said as he placed their respective units horizontally. (PWR 18000)

“I protect myself with Rising Raven,” Soarin placed his Stand Trigger in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)

“Tschh, well, supported by Dark Ant Soldier, Swordspider attacks Garuda,” Thorax said as he placed their respective units horizontally. (PWR 18000)

“I protect myself with Soothing Songbird,” Soarin placed his Heal Trigger in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)





“Ahhhh, you must be kidding me,” Spike said.

“It's pretty annoying,” Twilight Sparkle added, “He hasn't let himself get hit.”

“I think that's the idea,” Moondancer told them.





“This isn't over, because I'm going to activate my Changeling King skill, if you have any units in your front row that were paralyzed in the previous turn, I can pay 3 Counter Blast,” Thorax placed 3 cards face down in his Damage Zone.

"And what does that do?" Soarin asked.

“Increase my power,” Thorax replied with a smile, “For every unit paralyzed, my Vanguard gains 10,000 power and an extra critical hit.”

“Oh no,” Soarin said.

“Oh yeah,” Thorax said, “And since there are 2 paralyzed units, my Vanguard gains a power of 20000 and a critical of 3.”





"For Faust's sake," Spearhead said, "That can't be legal."

“Indeed it is,” Flash Sentry responded, “But Soarin did not know the full power of the Megacolony clan.”





"That's incredible, who would have thought he would use the power of the Changeling King that way," Spike said, smiling.





“I play with my heart, so I'll give it my all, and supported by my Chainsaw Scarab, CHANGELING KING, ATTACK GARUDA,” he shouted that last part as he placed his units horizontally. (PWR 41000 CRITICAL 3)

“You are a fool,” Soarin told him as he placed 3 cards in the Guard Zone, “Guard.”

“SPEARING WOODPECKER.”X2 (SHLD 30000)

"Intercept," Soarin said as he set up his Grade 2 unit, "SQUALLING AQUILA." (SHLD 10000)

“With this my total defense power is 52000,” Soarin told him, “Even if you get a Trigger, it won't be enough.”

"That defense power is almost impenetrable, how will Thorax overcome this," Lemon Zest announced.

Thorax had remained motionless for a few seconds, he didn't expect it.

"Why do you freeze?" Soarin asked, "Are you giving up?"

Thorax regained consciousness and replied, "NO, because I still have a Trigger chance, first check."

Thorax took out a card and when he saw it, he smiled, "YEAH, THATS WHAT IM TALKING, FLAME MOTH, A CRITICAL TRIGGER."

“A Critical Trigger, extra damage and 10,000 extra power,” Lemon Zest said.





"Amazing," Spike said, "He managed to pull off a Trigger at the best time."





“Wait a minute,” Soarin interrupted, “Even with the Trigger, your total power is 51,000, and my defense is 52,000, you won't be able to hit my Vanguard.”

“Then I will let my deck guide my feelings and my soul by granting me a miracle, second check,” Thorax said as he drew the next card.

He closed his eyes for a few moments, not daring to look at the card.

The entire public was nervous and expectant because the next play would decide the game.

But at that moment, Thorax opened his eyes.

He saw the card.

And he scream in fear, “AHHHHHHHHHHHH.”

"SPIKE, THERE ARE PROBLEMS, VERY BIG PROBLEMS."





"Oh no," Spike said worriedly.





"Yes, big problems," Thorax said scared but then smiled, "But not for me, problems for Soarin."





"Huh?" Spike wondered.





At that moment Thorax revealed the card.

Soarin almost choked on his own saliva when he saw the card.

“FLAME MOTH, DOUBLE CRITICAL TRIGGER, GET IT,” Thorax yelled.

“Amazing, a double Critical Trigger, that's 61000 power and with that he managed to break through Soarin's defense,” Lemon Zest announced.

"And it's not just that," Thorax showed Soarin his cards, "Its a 5 Critical Damage."

Soarin was speechless.





“5 damage with a single attack,” Moondancer said, “Impressive.”





At that moment Soarin regained his posture, "This is impossible."

Soarin decided to do a Damage Check without saying anything hoping to get a Heal Trigger.

Soarin drew the first card.

Thorax: 5/6 Damage
Soarin: 2/6 Damage

Soarin drew the second card

Thorax: 5/6 Damage
Soarin: 3/6 Damage

Soarin drew the third card

Thorax: 5/6 Damage
Soarin: 4/6 Damage

Soarin drew the fourth card

Thorax: 5/6 Damage
Soarin: 5/6 Damage

Soarin took out the last card this time with all his might, “Ahhhhh,” Soarin shouted because he couldn't believe what had happened, “Ahhhhhh.”

There was no Heal Trigger there.

Thorax: 5/6 Damage (Winner)
Soarin: 6/6 Damage

“Miracles happen when one is in harmony with their Vanguard, I owe this battle to the Changeling King, and he showed, that a king can defeat a god,” Thorax said as he showed Soarin his Changeling King card.

Soarin who was still in shock, didn't know what to say, “Gyahh…. My rocket…. Flew away…..”

At that moment Soarin ran out of the gym and went to a window.

“Soarin wait,” shouted Flash Sentry.

But Soarin didn't hear him and jumped out the window, breaking it.

“I think we shouldn't have made them too transparent,” said Sugarcoat.

“Don't worry, I'm fine,” Soarin yelled.

“Umm, well, the winner, Crystal Prep, Thorax,” Lemon Zest announced.

“I DID IT.” Thorax screamed with excitement.





"You did it Thorax," Spike said.

“You defeated a god,” Ember said.

"That's my son," Chrysalis said with tears of joy in her eyes.

And by this time, a king had surpassed a god.
> The Gold Knight of Harmony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soarin had returned to the gym, he didn't seem to be hurt.

"Uff, I'm sorry about that, I don't know what happened to me," Soarin told his team, "But don't worry about me, I've calmed down and I'm fine."

But Spearhead couldn't believe it, "Fine? Fine?, Dude, you jump through a window, how come you don't have a single scratch?"

"Hehe, this isn't the first time this has happened to us," Soarin said and then pointed at Flash Sentry, "You should have seen the tantrum Flash throw at a shop tournament."

“That wasn't a tantrum,” Flash Sentry replied with a pout, “My opponent was using Japanese cards which is against the rules.”

Soarin and Spearhead laughed at that.

By this time, Lemon Zest had already updated the board with the names of the members of both clubs.


Crystal Prep.



Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream



Wonderbolt Academy.



Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead


“It means I'm next,” the light blue girl said as she advanced to the table.

"Good luck, remember Thorax's strategy," Flash reminded her.

"Oh please," the girl sneered, "They're just bugs, which I'm going to squash."





Thorax was with the club and the other spectators, he received praise from his teammates.

"That was great, Thorax," Spike told him, "5 Criticals in one attack."

"I never would have guessed," Ember added.

“I must admit you scared us,” Toola Roola said.

“You were at 5 damage while Soarin was at 1,” Coconut Cream added, “I thought I gave up hope when I saw that.”

“But you managed to pull off a miracle,” Moondancer told him.

"I'm proud of you Thorax," Chrysalis told him, then she hugged him, "Even though I don't understand anything about the game, you seem to be very good at it."

Thorax smiled hearing that, clearly Vanguard had done him a lot of good and he would continue to work hard to win this duel between clubs.





"The last battle was somewhat exciting," Lemon Zest announced, "But we must continue, from Wonderbolt Academy, Fleetfoot."

“Victory shall be mine,” said the light blue girl whose name was Fleetfoot.

"And from Crystal Prep, Thorax."

“I have to stand firm, I will defend our club,” Thorax said determinedly.

“You must be so confident to have defeated Soarin,” Fleetfoot told him.

"Well, I was just lucky," Thorax replied, placing his hand on the back of his neck, "Anything could have happened."

“Well your luck has run out,” Fleetfoot told him as she began shuffling her deck, “10 minutes, I'll only need 10 minutes to crush you.”

Thorax gulped, clearly startled.

Seeing him scared, Fleetfoot smiled, "Hehe, it would be a piece of cake."





10 minutes later.

Thorax: 5/6 Damage (Winner)
Fleetfoot: 6/6 Damage

“Hold on….. What the….” Said Fleetfoot who was in shock, "He is very strong."

At that moment Fleetfoot fell to her knees.

"And the victory belongs to Thorax," Lemon Zest announced excitedly, "They should call the Guinness World Records, for the fastest battle."





"Oh no," Soarin placed his hand on his forehead, "I told her not to use the same deck that Spitfire uses."

“Yeah, I guess she couldn't have surprised him,” Flash Sentry added.

At that moment Fleetfoot returned to his team keeping her look of surprise.

"He's very strong," she told them before lying down.

“Damn, if this wasn't a cardfight, I'd have beaten that boy up for being so violent with a lady by now,” Spearhead said, looking at Fleetfoot.

"You know what this means?" asked Soarin.

Flash didn't reply but nodded with a determined look, to which Soarin smiled.





"That was so fast," Thorax listened to the praise from his teammates, he couldn't believe he was just one win away from his club being approved.





“Ahhh, this is bad, this is very bad,” Sour Sweet said.

“If they get one more win, we won't have a choice, we'll have to approve the club,” added Indigo Zap.

"Don't worry," Sugarcoat told them, who didn't seem to be upset, "The last member is the strongest, I investigated him, they won't even be able to give him a single scratch."





"Okay Thorax, you just need one more win," Spike told him.

“And so the club will be official,” Ember added.

"Just remember to be careful, Flash is very strong," Spike reminded him.

"Yes, I remember his last battle in the shop, if he hadn't been cheated I'm sure he would have swept away Garble, but that won't stop me from doing my best," Thorax replied as he approached the table.





By this time, Lemon Zest had updated the board, with only one Wonderbolt Academy student remaining.


Crystal Prep.



Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream



Wonderbolt Academy.



Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead


"It was an exciting fight, but now Wonderbolt Academy is on the line, they only have one member left, but, it's their captain Flash Sentry," Lemon Zest announced as Flash headed to the table.

"It's time," Flash Sentry said.

“And defending Crystal Prep, there is Thorax, if he manages to win this battle, the winner will be Crystal Prep's Cardfighting Club,” Lemon Zest announced as Thorax returned to the table.

"This battle can not only decide a victory or survival, but the pride of the cardfighters marked in their very being," Spike said to which Lemon Zest and the other girls from the student council looked at him with a deadpan look.

"Sorry, I have a bad habit of narrating when I'm nervous," Spike said.

By this time, Thorax and Flash had already reached the table.

“Thorax, you were amazing, let me tell you that you managed to surprise me and my team, it will be an honor to fight with you,” Flash Sentry told him.

"The honor is mine, Flash," Thorax replied, "Don't hold back, because I have no intention of losing."

Flash smiled, "Don't worry, I won't."

“Alright cardfighters, shuffle your decks,” Lemon Zest told them.

Thorax and Flash proceeded to do so, when they were done they drew 5 cards from their respective decks.

“I will return 1 card,” Thorax said placing a card in his deck and drawing a new one.

“I'll return 2,” Flash Sentry said placing 2 cards in his deck and drawing another 2.

Next, they placed a card face down in the Vanguard Circle.

“Begin,” Lemon Zest told them.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

STAND UP, THE VANGUARD.

Thorax: 0/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 0/6 Damage

Thorax flipped his card over, "COCOON OF THE LOVE EATER." (PWR6000/G0)

As Flash flipped his, "FLASH HEART DRACOKID." (PWR5000/G0)





“The?” Ember asked, "Did he said "The"?"

"Well, from what Flash told me, he's been training with my brother, Shining Armor, and he always adds a "The"," Spike replied.

"So that's why you said it too, isn't right Spike?" Ember asked smiling.

Spike smiled, "That's right."

"My older brother is someone who always knows how to bring out the best in a person, I'm sure if Flash trained with him, Thorax would have a hard time," added Twilight Sparkle.

"Exactly," Spike replied, "But that will make this battle more epic."





“Since it's Wonderbolt Academy's last chance, Flash Sentry decides who goes first and second,” said Lemon Zest.

“I'll go first if you don't mind,” Flash said as he drew a card from his deck.

Thorax nodded and waited for his move.

Flash discarded a card from his hand to search his deck for another.

"Dracokid's skill, I can discard a card and search my deck for a Gold Paladin whose grade is higher," Flash said as he drew a card from his deck.

"And that allows me to Superior Ride," Flash said as he placed the card he took from his deck on top of Dracokid, "FLASH HEART WYVERN." (PWR8000/G1)

“My turn is over,” Flash Sentry said.





“Flash´s deck guarantees that he will never draw a bad hand,” Soarin said.

"And it keep more secrets?" Spearhead asked.

“Yes, but it is not yet time to reveal them,” Soarin replied.





“COME ON THORAX, DON'T LET THAT GUY SCARE YOU, EVEN IF HE HAD HAIR LIKE A HOOLIGAN, YOU'RE VERY STRONG,” Nurse Chrysalis encouraged.

"Umm, Miss Chrysalis, I don't think his hairstyle has anything to do with it," Spike told her.





“Mom,” Thorax said sheepishly as he covered his face with his hand.

"Really ticks me off, after all the lectures my mom gave me about my hairstyle," Flash thought, "Maybe it's time for a change."

"Sorry about that," Thorax apologized as he drew a card from his deck.

"No, that's fine, your mother is right on one point," Flash Sentry replied.

"In the part of your hooligan look or in which I am very strong?" Thorax asked.

"Umm, I guess she's a bit right about both, but more so about your strength," Flash clarified, "That's why I won't underestimate you in this battle, doing so would be instant defeat."

Thorax smiled, "Then I'll make you look surprised, Ride."

Thorax's card was an anthropomorphic species of fly which had a black trench coat, wore a fancy hat and carried a gun, "SPY FLY." (PWR7000/G1)

“And you know, my Cocoon's skill allows me to move it into a rear-guard circle,” Thorax moved the Cocoon to the back of his field, now right behind Spy Fly.

"Then, I Call," Thorax placed another card on the left front row, "DARK ANT SOLDIER." (PWR8000/G1)

“Interesting,” Flash Sentry thought.

“I attack your Vanguard with Spy Fly boosted by my Cocoon,” Thorax placed the respective units horizontally. (PWR 13000)

“I won't protect myself from that,” Flash Sentry told him.

"Then I'll check the Drive Trigger," said Thorax, he took out a card and seeing it, he didn't know how to feel, "I guess it can still work, Holy Butterfly, Heal Trigger."

Flash raised an eyebrow.

"That's right, I can't heal myself, but I can still power up my Dark Ant Soldier." (PWR 18000)

“That's right, he can still take advantage of a Trigger,” Flash Sentry said as he placed a card in his Damage Zone, it was a normal unit.

Thorax: 0/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 1/6 Damage

And then Thorax attacked with his Ant Soldier to which Flash decided to accept the attack again.

Thorax: 0/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 2/6 Damage

“My turn is over,” Thorax said.





"So far so good," Spike said a little nervously.

“Yes, Thorax started off with a good lead offensively, but it's too soon to let his guard down,” Ember added.

“VERY GOOD THORAX, YOU ARE MY CHAMPION,” Chrysalis encouraged, yelling so loudly that those sitting near her had to cover their ears.





"Will Flash be alright?" asked Fleetfoot.

“Relax, it's only his second turn,” Soarin replied confidently.





“My turn, Draw,” Flash said as he drew a card from his deck.

"I discard a card from my hand, so I can Superior Ride," Flash placed on top of Flash Heart Wyvern, another card that showed a grown version of him, "FLASH HEART DRAKE." (PWR10000/G2)

"Call," Flash placed another of his units on the left front row, "SENTRY KNIGHT." (PWR9000/G2)

“Now I attack your Vanguard with Flash Heart Drake,” Flash Sentry brought his Vanguard horizontally.

“No Guard, I guess,” Thorax said.

"Drive Trigger check," Flash pulled a card from his deck, he smirked at it, "Got it, Springer The Powerful Jakhowl, Critical Trigger."

“Great,” Thorax sighed.

"The power goes to my Sentry Knight." (PWR 19000)

“Damage Trigger, Double check,” Thorax put 2 cards into his Damage Zone, unfortunately neither was a Trigger.

Thorax: 2/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 2/6 Damage

"My Flash Heart Drake skill allows me to pay a counter-blast to Superior Call a grade 2 unit whose power is lower, but I can only do this when an attack hits," Flash Sentry said as he searched his deck for a card.

Thorax frowned, but he had no choice, if he had defended, Flash would have a rear guard with a Critical which would force Thorax to discard a lot of cards from his hand.

"Superior Call," Flash placed a unit on his empty front row, "SENTRY KNIGHT." (PWR9000/G2)

"I attack with my Sentry Knight."

“I Guard with Thief Firefly,” Thorax placed his Draw Trigger in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 5000)

“Then I attack with my Sentry Knight with more power,” Flash said, placing the unit horizontally.

“Damage Trigger check,” Thorax said as he placed another unit in his Damage Zone.

Thorax: 3/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 2/6 Damage

“This guy is really tough,” Thorax thought.





"So far they're doing fine, I guess," Soarin said.





"You can do it, Thorax," Spike said cheering for his best friend.





"My turn, Stand and Draw, Ride," Thorax placed his units vertically and drew a card from his deck, at which point he placed his grade 2 unit, "CHANGELING KNIGHT." (PWR10000/G2)

“Now fall into my web,” Thorax told him.

Flash wanted to frown, but instead, for some strange reason, maybe it was the hype of the battle, he smiled.

“Your Knight won't be able to stand in the next turn,” Thorax told him, gesturing to their respective unit.

After that, Thorax moved his Dark Ant Soldier to the back row, "My soldier moves back."

“Now I Call,” Thorax placed 2 copies of the same unit on the front row, “SWORDSPIDER .” (PWR10000/G2)X2

"Oh no," Flash Sentry said startedled.

“AND I'M NOT FINISHED YET,” Thorax said excitedly as he placed a unit in the missing back row, thus filling his field, "DARK ANT SOLDIER." (PWR8000/G1)

Flash Sentry eyed Thorax's field warily, he was clearly going all out and wouldn't let himself be defeated.

"This is for you my friends, Spike, Ember, Toola Roola, Coconut Cream, Mom and…." Thorax thought but stopped when he saw Twilight and her friends, he realized that one of them was staring at him with a blush in her tender gaze.

“Moondancer?” Thorax wondered at the same time that he had blushed.

"Are you OK?" asked Flash Sentry.

"Ahhh," Thorax tried to hide his face, "I'm fine, nothing suspicious, hehe."





"Now what's wrong with him?" Ember asked.

"Is he paralyzed?" Toola Roola asked.

"No, I think something crossed his mind," Coconut Cream replied.





“I am fine, and I will be better because it will be time to launch my attacks,” Thorax said.

"Very well, then, bring it on," Flash said with spirit.

“SWORDSPIDERS, GO FOR HIM,” Thorax yelled as he and Flash imagined themselves on Planet Cray.

Flash imagined how the Spiders supported by the Ant Soldiers stabbed him mercilessly.

“GYAHHHHH.” Flash Sentry yelled.

"OK, NOW MY CHANGELING KNIGHT."

Flash was on his knees when he felt himself being rammed by the Knight.

“UGHHHH.”

Coming back to the reality.

"Drive Trigger check," Thorax pulled out a card and although it wasn't a Trigger, he smiled anyway, "Changeling King, I've been waiting for you."

Flash frowned knowing that unit would get him into trouble on Thorax's next turn, but he didn't have much time to think because he had to put his cards in the Damage Zone.

Thorax: 3/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage





"Gahhh, why didn't he defend himself?" asked Fleetfoot.

"I don't know," Soarin replied, "But Flash isn't one to make mistakes, he surely has a plan."

“It's at 5 damage, if that plan fails, then it's over,” Spearhead added.





“WOOO, THIS IS HOW YOU ATTACK THORAX, NO MERCY,” Chrysalis yelled excitedly.

"This is a good sign," Spike said, "Now Thorax just needs to wait for his next turn and the game will be his."

"That's right," Twilight Sparkle said, then she yelled, "BE VERY CAREFUL, FLASH."

"Hey, what side are you on?" Moondancer asked with a frown.

"Sorry," Twilight apologized, "It was a reflex."





“Thanks Twi, I needed that,” Flash Sentry thought as he drew a card from his deck and stood his units vertically.

“Time to show the true power of the Gold Paladdin clan,” Flash said excitedly as he discarded a card from his hand.

“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)

At that moment Thorax imagined himself on the Planet Cray he was facing Flash Heart Dragon, and that dragon imposed an aura of power and intimacy, a sense of danger ran through Thorax's mind.

Coming back to the reality.

“I hope you're ready, because Flash Heart Dragon is,” Flash Sentry told him with a smile.

Thorax looked at his hand and was relieved that he had Changeling King.

"Next turn, I'll win," Thorax thought, "I just have to resist their attacks and we'll be victorious."

A battle between both kingdoms has begun.
> The Knight Who Overthrew The King
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The battle between Thorax and Flash Sentry continued, the advantage was clear for Thorax since he only needed to cause one more point of damage to Flash and he would win, and he hadn't even Ride his avatar, Changeling King.

Thorax: 3/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage

But this was Flash Sentry's turn, who Ride his avatar, Flash Heart Dragon.





"You're doing great," Spike yelled from the sidelines, "Keep it up Thorax."

“Just stay calm and you'll beat him on your next turn,” Ember added.





“I just have to hang on this turn and when I get to summon my Changeling King, victory will be ours and we can have our club,” Thorax thought.

But at that moment, Flash Sentry looked at him seriously, "If I don't beat you this turn, it's all over."

Thorax raised an eyebrow.

“So this is it,” Flash Sentry said excitedly, “MY FINAL TURN.”





"WHAT?" Spike and Ember wondered at the same time.

“Oh no, does that mean we already lost?” Toola Roola asked.

“Maybe he's just bluffing,” replied Coconut Cream.





"Is he serious?" Spearhead asked.

"Of course," Soarin replied, "Flash always gives it his all even when he's on the ropes."





“Flash Heart Dragon skill,” said Flash (PWR 13000)

"What the?" Thorax asked, "Increase your power."

Flash answered confidently, "Flash Heart Dragon gains 1000 more points if Dracokid, Wyvern and Drake are in the Soul and that's permanent."

“Now, I call another copy of Sentry Knight by removing my paralyzed Sentry Knight,” Flash said as he placed the card in the front row, “SENTRY KNIGHT.” (PWR9000/G2)





"Risky move," said Fleetfoot.

“Flash knows he could lose next turn, obviously he's going to risk it all,” added Sperhead.

“Flash isn't going to lose,” Soarin said confidently.





“Then I call 2 more copies of Flash Heart Wyvern,” Flash said as he placed the 2 copies in the last rear-guard circles on the back row, “FLASH HEART WYVERN.” (PWR8000/G1)X2

"And, I call," Flash placed behind his Vanguard one last unit, "GOLDEN LANCER." (PWR7000/G1)

"Just like his battle with Garble," Spike said, "His field is full."

“He is betting everything on a final attack,” Thorax said, “This is bad.”

"I'm not done yet, my Sentry Knight's power goes up to 11000 if I have Flash Heart Dragon as a Vanguard." (PWR11000)X2





"The worst thing is that he still has the Flash Heart Dragon skill," Spike said worriedly.





"Flash Heart Dragon skill, I pay 2 counter-blast and for this turn all my units gain +1000 for each Gold Paladin unit on the field."

"Wait, that means..." Thorax said to which Flash continued with a determined look, "A power of 6000 to each of my units."

Thorax frowned.

“And not only that, by paying that counter-blast, Flash Heart Dragon allows one of my units, including him, to gain an extra Critical,” Flash said, smiling.

“Oh My Bugs, he had no mercy,” Thorax said.

"Sentry Knight wins the critical."

Thorax thought it was weird that he didn't give it to his Vanguard, but maybe he thought he knew he had a Perfect Guard in his hand.

“It's time for the attack,” Flash Sentry said as he began to line up his units horizontally.

“Sentry Knight supported by Flash Heart Wyvern attacks your Vanguard.” (PWR 31000)

Thorax thought about it for a moment, but saw that it was only a single damage, which being a huge power, would not be worth defending.

“Damage Trigger check,” Thorax placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone.

Thorax: 4/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage





"Good call," Spike said.

“Yes, now Thorax will be able to protect himself from the following attacks,” added Moondancer.





"Now, my other Sentry Knight, attack." (PWR 31000 Critical 2)

Thorax knew what he should do, "I protect myself with Holy Butterfly and Chainsaw Scarab."

Thorax placed his Heal Trigger and his grade 1 unit in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 35000)

Flash frowned.





“Damn, he managed to block it even at full power,” Spearhead added.

But Soarin already knew what Flash was planning, he smirked, "Flash, you son of a pegasi."





“Nice save,” said Toola Roola.

“But Flash could still pull off a Critical Trigger,” Coconut Cream told her causing her to worry.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Thorax has that planned," Spike added.





“Grr, final attack,” Flash said as he brought his Vanguard horizontally, “Flash Heart Dragon supported by Golden Lancer.”

"Then it's game over for you," Thorax said as he placed a card in the Guard Zone, "Queen Bee Bodyguard." (SHLD 0)

"So..." Flash Sentry said seriously, "A Perfect Guard."

“It doesn't matter if you get a Critical, you won't be able to get past my defense,” Thorax told him with a determined smile, “You could have gone to the nationals, but I'm not only fighting for my best friend, he taught me so well, and for that I'm also fighting for myself, that's why I can't afford it. lose."





"Oh Thorax," Spike was touched.

"You are someone special to my son," Nurse Chrysalis approached, "Even if you don't know it, you have done a lot for him."

Spike smiled, "Thank you Miss Chrysalis, but, he's done a lot for me too."

“You two complement each other,” Twilight Sparkle told her, “Thorax is your best friend not because you have similar things you both like, but because you can each support the other in their weakest points, turning them into strengths.”

"Maybe that's exactly why Principal Cadence put you two together that time," Nurse Chrysalis said, "She knew you two would get along just fine."

"Hehe, that's Cadence," Spike replied with a chuckle.

"It's just how we became friends with Twilight," said Lyra Heartstrings, "The principal was teaching classes that day and she had us work in groups of 6, we were missing one member and she introduced us to Twilight."

"Hehehe, nice memory," Twilight Sparkle said, "We'll thank Cadence when this is over."





Back to battle.

It was a defining moment for Flash Sentry, Thorax had put up a Perfect Guard, but he knew he still had a slim chance to turn the tables in this Cardfight.

“Twin Drive, first check,” Flash pulled a card from his deck, frowning as he saw that it was a normal unit.

“Come on guys, let's win this,” Flash said in his mind.

"FINAL CHECK," shouted Flash and with all his might he pulled the second card from his deck.

“You came,” Flash said, smiling.

Thorax felt concern, Flash had pulled something, but it couldn't be a Critical Trigger.

"It was a good battle Thorax, you were a great opponent, I doubt if I was going to win, but this ends now," Flash Sentry said and then revealed the card he drew, "Grand Hoof the Ancient Knight, its a Stand Trigger."

"What?" Thorax asked surprised.





“NOOOOO,” Spike yelled.

"Spike what's up, can he break his defense with that Trigger?" Minette asked.

“No, but it can put a non-Vanguard unit back on Stand,” Spike replied.

"And what's worse," Ember added, "One of their units has a Double Critical."

“Uh-oh.”





“Sentry Knight get up and gain more power,” Flash brought his unit up vertically.

"Oh no," Thorax looked at the cards in his hand, "I don't have enough power to defend myself, I have no choice, I must let the attack hit me."

“ATTACK,” Flash Sentry once again placed his remaining unit horizontally. (PWR 27000 Critical 2)

At that moment Thorax imagined himself on the planet Cray, he saw Flash Heart waving his sword at him.

“GYAHHHH,” Thorax yelled as he placed his cards in the Damage Zone.

Back in the real world, Thorax saw the end result and hung his head.

Thorax: 6/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage (Winner)

“With 6 damage, the winner of this Cardfight is Flash Sentry,” Lemon Zest announced, “With this, Wonderbolt Academy manages to defend by taking this round.”

After that, she updated the board.


Crystal Prep.



Spike
Ember
Thorax
Toola Roola
Coconut Cream



Wonderbolt Academy.



Flash Sentry
Soarin
Spitfire
Fleetfoot
Spearhead






“Well done Flash,” Twilight Sparkle shouted, “Now that's a comeback.”

"Hey, I remind you that Flash is on the opposing team," Lemon Hearts told her.

"I'm sorry," Twilight apologized as she blushed.





“That's the way to go Flash,” Spearhead yelled.

“I can't believe I doubted him,” added Fleetfoot.

“That is our leader,” Soarin said proudly.





Thorax was looking down, clearly processing his defeat.

Flash was going to say something but Thorax spoke first.

"That was incredible," Thorax told him with a smile as he extended his hand, "You defeated me before I could summon the Changeling King."

"I'm sure if you had summon it out, I would have lost," said Flash Sentry as he held out his hand, after they shook hands, Thorax left with his team, but not before hearing something from Flash, "Let's play again some day.”

Thorax smiled in agreement.





Thorax had returned to his team, and the smile he wore faded as he looked at his friends, "Guys, I'm sorry."

They came over to comfort him, after all, he had done very well.

“If only our club had won,” Thorax said as he wiped away a tear that had sprung from his eye.

"Its okay Thorax," Spike said placing his hand on his shoulder, "You did great, and we're still ahead."

“You should be proud of yourself,” Ember told him.

“Just as I'm proud of you, come here Thorax,” Nurse Chrysalis said as she hugged Thorax, he was going to object, but he really needed a hug.

"Thank you mom, but our club is in danger."

“Not for long, I'll take care of this,” Coconut Cream said as she approached the table.

“Good luck Cream,” Toola Roola told her.

"Well, I'll need it," Coconut Cream replied, "But its okay, I intend to expose Flash's weakness, so when Spike faces him in the next Cardfight, he'll be ready to..."

But Spike cut her off as he scowled, "Wrong attitude."

"Huh?" asked Coconut Cream.

"You must fight to win, Cream, you must aim for the gold," Spike told her.

"Exactly, you don't go into a cardfight thinking you'll lose," Ember told her, "It doesn't matter who your opponent is."

Coconut Cream was hesitant, but then smiled, "Understood, I'll fight to win."

"That's the spirit," Toola Roola told her, "Now go get him."

As Cream retreated, Moondancer walked over to Thorax.

"Thorax, that was amazing."

"Thank you Moondancer, I think Flash was stronger than I anticipated," Thorax replied.

Moondancer shook her head, "Anything can happen in a cardfight, I've already been taught that."

Thorax smiled, "I guess you're right."

"And about that, I was wondering, if you could ever, um, teach me how to play better?" Moondancer asked blushing.

Thorax blushed but then smiled, "Of course."

“Okay, thank you very much,” Moondancer thanked her but she noticed that Twilight was looking at her with a smirk.

"So, Thorax," Twilight Sparkle whispered in Moondancer's ear.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Moondancer tried to defend herself, "He'll just teach me how to play, besides, I like the bugs he uses in his deck, that's all."

"Are you sure its only that?" Twilight asked her still with her smirk.

"Yeah, this is a very strange behaviour for someone like you Monny," said Lyra Hheartstrings with a smirk.

Moondancer's face was completely red, she couldn't answer.





Coconut Cream had arrived at the table and spoke to Flash Sentry, "I'm your next opponent, let's have a good cardfight."

Flash Sentry smiled, "It would be my pleasure."

“I like their spirit, if you're all ready, the next battle begins,” Lemon Zest announced.

“From the Wonderbolt Academy, Flash Sentry,” Lemon Zest announced as Flash remained at the table.

“And from Crystal Prep, Coconut Cream,” Lemon Zest announced as Cream sat down at the table and placed her deck there.

The two shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards, but not before turning their Vanguard face down.

“I will return 1 card,” Coconut Cream said.

“I will return 2 cards,” Flash Sentry said.

Then the 2 shuffled their decks and took out the cards.

But Flash frowned, which didn't go unnoticed by Coconut Cream.

"His look indicates that he dealt a very bad hand, this is my chance, I have to win this, I will not allow the council to prevent another club from a friend," Coconut Cream thought as she turned to see the student council with a look of anger.





“I don't like the way that brat is looking at us,” Indigo Zap said.

“Just ignore her,” Sugarcoat said.

"I can't ignore that," Zap replied desperately, "It drives me crazy."

“Then do what you have to do outside of school,” Sunny Flare told her to try to make her shut up.





“Begin,” Lemon Zest told them.

At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:

STAND UP, VANGUARD.

STAND UP, THE VANGUARD.

Coconut Cream: 0/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 0/6 Damage

Coconut Cream flipped her card over, it showed a kind of coconut with legs that had red lines painted around them, "COCONUT PAWN." (PWR5000/G0)

As Flash flipped his, "FLASH HEART DRACOKID." (PWR5000/G0)





“So she is using the Neo Nectar clan,” Soarin said.

"The plant deck?" Fleetfoot asked to which Soarin nodded.





"I had not seen that clan," Twinkleshine said.

"It's the Neo Nectar clan," Spike said.

“A clan from my own nation,” Thorax added.

“It's a plant clan specialized in calling up Plant Tokens to form a devastating attack lineup,” Ember finished.

“Plant Tokens?” Moondancer asked.

“I think you'd better see it in action and learn from it,” Thorax replied.





"I'll start, Ride," Cream set up a unit that looked like a stronger version of Coconut Pawn, but this one was bigger and had a shield on his arm, "COCONUT SOLDIER." (PWR7000/G1)

“Soldier Skill, if she Rides a Coconut Pawn, I can call a Plant Token,” Coconut Cream said as she reached for a card that wasn't in her deck and placed it behind her Vanguard, “PLANT TOKEN.” (PWR6000/G0)





"Oh, I think I got it," Moondancer said.





Flash smirked, "I see you'll also build an army, but no matter how strong it is, you won't beat my deck that specializes in teamwork."

Cream smiled, "You're in for a surprise, so you shouldn't underestimate the power of the Neo Nectar clan."

“Don't worry, I won't,” Flash Sentry replied knowing it would be another tough battle just like Thorax's.
> The Last Showdown Begins, A Draconic Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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?”
> An Outcome of Bravery and Glory
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The legendary battle between the leaders of the clubs continued, Spike seemed to be taking the lead, but Flash outsmarted him, managing to summon his Flash Heart Dragon only on his second turn, but the biggest surprise was his new unit, a Grade 4, Flash Heart Dragon X.

“I hope you are prepared,” Flash Sentry said, “Because we are going to prove to you the superiority of the Gold Paladin clan.”

Spike didn't say anything, he was scared, the only thing he could do at that moment was to put his guard up.

Spike: 2/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage





"I don't get it, what is that?" asked Lemon Hearts surprised.

"It's a Grade 4 unit," replied Twilight Sparkle who was just as surprised.

“I thought there were only units from 0 to 3,” Moondancer said while reading the rule book, “In the official guide it doesn't say anything about Grade 4 units.”

Ember with a look of fear and frustration answered them, "It's because they're not officially out yet, the first units were supposed to go on sale next month."

"You say he is using a fake card?" Twinkleshine asked.

"Flash would never do that," Twilight interrupted.

"I agree with her," Thorax added, "Flash doesn't seem to be one to cheat like that."

"Certainly," they heard a voice coming from behind, they all turned to see Principal Cadence approaching.

“Cade… I mean, Principal Cadence?” Twilight asked.

“It was Shining's idea,” Cadence told them.

"My brother gave him that card?" Twilight asked.

Cadence just nodded, "Yeah, he told me everything."





That conversation was overheard by Flash, he smiled and looked at his card, "That's right, Shining Armor, our trainer, is the one who gave me Flash Heart Dragon X."






<Flashback>


At Wonderbolt Academy.

The Cardfighting Club was preparing to catch the bus that would transport them to Crystal Prep.

“Remember not to underestimate the students of Crystal Prep,” Shining Armor told his team, “They may be younger than you, but I'm sure they are fierce, always do your best in your cardfights.”

"Yes, Coach," Flash Sentry, Soarin, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Spearhead nodded firmly.

Shining Armor smiled, "That's the spirit."

As the club members entered the bus, Shining stopped Flash for a moment, "Flash, before you get on, I want to give you this."

Flash stopped, he saw Shining Armor approaching with a card in his hand.

“Here, for you,” Shining Armor told him.

Flash Sentry smiled and took the card, but upon seeing it he was so impressed that his eyes almost popped out of his skull, "This, this is…."

"That's right," Shining smiled, "I told them they'd better use their full strength so there's no excuse."

“I must say I'm impressed, it'll be great to have this powerful unit in my deck,” Flash Sentry replied, “But, are you sure this is legal, from what I understand, these cards don't go on sale until next month, and speaking of which, how did you get them?”

"Dude, I'm a professional player, it was obvious that this game company would give me some gifts, and no, it's not illegal, it's not some fake card or anything that breaks the rules, you just got that card a little earlier than the others,” replied Shining Armor.

"Even if I use it against your little brother???"

Shining widened his eyes upon hearing that at the same time as his smile faded.

"I understand that you are our coach, but we are going against Spike's club and we know his situation, by giving me this you are adding more difficulty to his game."

Shining sighed, "I know, and my family may give me a hard time after this is over, but Spike has always wanted to be stronger, and I want to help him, and help you too, Flash, I can't say a lot, but either way, both of you will grow after their cardfight when you face each other if that happens.”

Flash understood the situation a bit, and knew that Shining was not underestimating him or Spike, he gladly accepted the unit definitively, "Thank you very much Shining, for everything, and I'm serious when I say that I'm not going to lose."

Shining smiled again as Flash got on the bus.

“I wish you the best of luck,” Shining said as the bus pulled out.


<End of flashback>






"Just wait, Shining Armor, I'll make you both proud," Flash thought.

However, things did not seem to be going well for Spike who continued to tremble with fear in the presence of that unit.

"No, it cant be."

Spike began to sweat so much that it didn't go unnoticed.

"Um, are you alright?" asked Flash Sentry.

Spike, who was still nervous, nodded his head without saying a word.

"Okay?" Flash said.

"Ahhhhh, why did he have to Ride a Grade 4, those creatures must be very powerful, I just heard about their dirty default skill, The Triple Drive, but I imagine he'll have something worse," Spike thought, "Hell, getting crazy about this won't get me anywhere."

SLAP.

Spike slapped himself to reason, causing everyone to worry, even the council.





"What happens? Did he lose his mind?" asked Indigo Zap.

“No, it looks like he's just nervous,” Sugarcoat replied, cleaning his glasses.

"Oh Spike," Twilight worried, placing her hands over her heart.





"Sorry about that," said Spike who had the mark of his hand on his cheek, "Go on your turn."

"Umm right," Flash said seriously.

"What is Flash X's Skill?" Spike asked as he ground his teeth.

Flash smiled, and that means Spike's bad luck, which meant that it was going to be something very powerful outside of what was seen in Vanguard, the yellow boy continued, "His first Skill is interesting, he can only do it when he arrives on the field, I can pay 2 counterblasts.”

By doing that, all the cards in Flash's Damage Zone were now face down.

“Then I Soul Blast for 1,” Flash sent a card from his Vanguard to the Drop Zone, it was Flash Heart Wyvern.

But Flash continued, he smiled, "And now behold the power of teamwork."

Spike gulped.

“Now, I can Superior Call from my deck to units that have the same name as the unit I Soul Blasted with.”

"WHAAAT?" Spike yelled.

"With the power of gold coming from the United Sanctuary, I ask that you assist their leader, Superior Call," Flash Sentry said as he placed their respective units in the back row, "FLASH HEART WYVERN." (PWR8000/G1)X3





“Wow, do you saw that, I didn't expect that,” Spearhead said.

“And that is not all of his power,” Soarin added with a smile.

"Hehe, Flash is going to pulverize him," Fleetfoot yelled.





And it was the same thing that his team members yelled.

“With only one card, he call 3 more,” Toola Roola said.

“It's not fair, he has a Grade 4, he's on another level,” added Coconut Cream.

"That's no excuse," Ember told them, "I know Spike can get out of this, after all, he defeated Garble without using a Grade 3 unit, he can."

“Though Garble didn't have a Grade 4 unit either,” Thorax added between his teeth, making Ember even angrier, “what did you say?”

“Ahh, nothing,” Thorax replied, hiding behind his mother.

"Okay, everyone stay calm, it's clear that the situation is not favorable, even a little tragic, but whatever happens, you must continue to encourage Spike if you want him to still have a chance," Nurse Chrysalis told them.

"She's right, let's not let our worries get to him," Thorax said, then he turned to Spike and began to yell, "YOU CAN BEAT HIM, SPIKE, DON'T BE INTIMIDATED BY HIS GRADE 4, HE MIGHT BE MORE POWERFUL, BUT HIS POWER IS THE SAME."





Spike heard that, and began to think, "You're right Thorax, on my turn, that thing will only be like a Grade 3 when it takes a hit, I can do it."

“Now Flash Heart Dragon X's second skill, permanently, even if it only applied during my turn, all my units would gain a power of 10000,” Flash Sentry said as all his units were boosted with power.





"That is a lot of power," Soarin thought.





"It doesn't scare me, it doesn't scare me," Spike repeated in his mind.

“I'll use his third skill,” Flash Sentry said with a determined smile.

"How many skills does he have?" Spike wondered.

“I can Superior Call Flash Heart Dragon from the Soul,” Flash Sentry said as he placed the unit in the front row, “FLASH HEART DRAGON.” (PWR12000/G3)

“And now his last skill and this is automatic,” said Flash Sentry making Spike use one of his hands to support himself on the table, “Flash Heart Dragon X makes him and all units named Flash Heart Dragon gain 1 extra Critical and that is permanent.”

“NOOOOO,” Spike yelled.

"Sorry Spike, but that's the way it is, Call," Flash Sentry said as he placed one last unit, "SENTRY KNIGHT." (PWR9000/G2)





"That's a whole lot of power" Twilight said, “Nice lineup.”

"And it's all heading for Spike," Moondancer said in concern.

"Oh right, watch out Spike," Twilight Sparkle yelled.





“Start my attack, supported by Wyvern, Sentry Knight attacks your Vanguard, and don't forget they both have a bonus for Flash X's skill,” Flash Sentry said as he placed his units horizontally. (PWR 37000)

"I have to take that damage, he's the only one that doesn't have an extra Critical, dammit," Spike thought, so he accepted the damage.

"Damage Trigger check," Spike placed a card in his Damage Zone, when he saw it, he was relieved, "Thank you, Draw Trigger, Gambler Drake."

Spike: 3/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage

Then Spike took a card from his deck.

“This isn't over yet, I still have 2 powerful units, both with a Double Critical,” Flash said.

But before those 2 attacks, Spike responded quickly, "NO, PROTECT ME, CRYSTAL HEART DRACOKID."X2

(SHLD 0)

Spike re-imagined himself on Planet Cray as if he were Crystal Scale, which was protected from Flash Heart's attack by his 2 Crystal Heart Dracokids.

“We will protect you,” a Dracokid said.

“My Vanguard,” the other said as they blocked the attack.

"Thanks guys," Spike / Crystal Scale thanked them.

Back in the real world.

Flash smirked, "You're very crafty Spike, but I still have my Triple Drive."

And in one of those Drives, Flash pulled out something that could have been put to good use, “Bingo, Soul, The Healing Princess, Heal Trigger.”

Spike frowned as Flash removed a card from his Damage Zone.

Spike: 3/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 3/6 Damage

“My turn is over,” Flash Sentry said.

“Whew, he barely made it,” Thorax said with relief.

"But it's a little early to celebrate, Thorax," Ember told him, "Spike already spent 2 Perfect Guards with those attacks, which caused him to lose 4 cards from his hand."

Thorax swallowed.





“My…My turn,” Spike said nervously, but he still placed his units upright and drew a card from his deck, “Stand and Draw.”

"Wow, you showed up at a good time," Spike said, looking at the card he pulled out, "I think you mean it's time to end this, that there's hope."

Flash raised an eyebrow.

"LET THE POWER OF LIGHTNING ENROLL YOUR GLORY WHILE A MIGHTY THUNDER IS HEARD THROUGH THE ENTIRE DRAGON EMPIRE, RIDE," Spike yelled as he placed a Grade 3 unit on his Vanguard, looking like an upgraded version of Crystal Scale, but this one was taller, wore a red cape and what stood out the most was that he used a shield made of Crystal with a heart in the center, "CRYSTAL SCALE GLORIOUS." (PWR13000/G3)





“Wow, looks like Flash wasn't the only one with an upgrade,” Fleetfoot said.

“Well, it was obvious that he would get a Grade 3,” Soarin told her.

"But Flash told us that he hadn't seen him using a Grade 3," Spearhead added, "I thought he just didn't have one."

"Or maybe, he don't need one to take down Garble," Soarin said with a grin, "But you'll definitely need one if you want to hold your own against Flash."





"Very good, Spike has a powerful unit," Ember said.

"More powerful than Flash Heart Dragon X?" asked Toola Roola.

“No, but it can turn the game in his favor,” Ember replied.





"Wow, looks like you're not going to give up Spike," Flash Sentry told him.

“That's right, and I'm not just doing it for myself, I'm doing it for my club,” Spike replied.

"Then show me what your Vanguard can do," Flash told him.

"My pleasure, now you will be struck by lightning, when Glorious enters the battlefield, I can take out one of your rear guard units and gain an extra Critical," Spike said as he pointed at the Grade 3 unit, "And I choose your Flash Heart Dragon.”

Flash sent his respective unit to the Drop Zone.





"Alright Spike," Thorax said.

“So you don't have to worry about any extra Crits,” added Coconut Cream.





“Alright, I have 2 possible attacks, I could convert it to 3, but I don't have such a strong unit to hit him, I'd just be losing more cards in my hand, I'll have to force him to Perfect Guard this turn and finish him off with my Rear Guards, ” thought Spike and at that moment he decided to go on the attack.

“I'll attack with Crystal Scale Glorious supported by Crystal Hatchling,” Spike said as he placed their respective units horizontally. (PWR 21000)

"Interesting," Flash Sentry said as he looked at the cards in his hand.

"He should use a Perfect Guard," Spike thought.

But everyone was surprised to hear the following words from Flash:

"No guard."





“But… Are you aware that he is hitting with an extra Critical? And that if I get a good Trigger, it could mean your defeat? asked Spike who was confused.

“I trust my deck, my clan and most of all, I trust Flash Heart Dragon,” replied Flash, who was charged with intense determination and had a serious look on his face.

“No, it can't, grrrr… Twin Drive, first check,” Spike said as he pulled out a regular unit.

"Second check," Spike closed his eyes and took out the second card from his deck, opening them he could hear Crystal Scale's voice echoing in his head, "Sorry, My Vanguard."

The reason, was because he hadn't drawn a Trigger, Spike lowered his head looking at the ground, "No….Trigger."

“It was close, but close doesn't take home the trophy,” Flash Sentry said as he placed 2 units in his Damage Zone, “Nice, another Heal Trigger.”

"Not again," Spike said in frustration as he put a hand to his head.

Spike: 3/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage

“Then I'll attack with Knight of The Purple Dragon,” Spike said. (PWR 23000)

“Springer will protect me from that,” Flash said as he placed his Critical in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 15000)

"I…end my turn," Spike said dejectedly.





"Oh no Spike," Nurse Chrysalis worried.

“He is still nervous, i dont blame him, he is charging too much,” Thorax said.





"My turn, Stand and Draw," Flash placed his units vertically and took out a card from his deck, then he looked at Spike and when he saw him he could understand how he felt.

"Welcome to the competitive world," Flash Sentry told him.

"Huh?" Spike asked.

“You are being invaded by a feeling that you can usually find in tournaments, but it also appears in team battles, those that represent something much bigger,” Flash Sentry told him.

"In the previous Cardfights, I was sitting, cheering on my teammates, but now, I'm the one playing, they could play and prove wins and losses, but in my case, a loss would mean that everything is over, ” Spike said, “So it's not just about winning or losing anymore, now my teammates trust me because I'm their last hope.”





"And I know it must have felt differently from the time he defeated Garble, because everyone knew who was right and who was wrong, but now Spike is facing Flash Sentry, an honorable cardfighter, which isn't simple at all," Ember added. 





"That's right, and from what Shining told me, after this battle, we'll grow as cardfighters, don't forget it," Flash reminded him.

Spike nodded nervously.





"Spike will be okay?" Minuette asked.

“He will be, at least he managed to destroy Flash Heart Dragon, I don't think Flash can make a comeback,” Moondancer replied.





“SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY, CALL,” shouted Flash as he placed a card in his front row, “FLASH HEART DRAGON.” (PWR12000/G3)

"But I destroyed it," said Spike who couldn't believe his Dragon had returned.

"Think some more, I have more copies," Flash Sentry told him.





“Ok I guess I spoke too soon,” Moondancer said.

"Alright Flash, nice power up," Twilight yelled.

“I can't take this anymore, Twi, although I'm glad you're in high spirits today, you'd better focus on Spike,” Lyra Heartstrings told her.

"Oh well, I'm cheering for him too," Twilight replied.

"Well, it seems that it hasn't been enough, just look at him," Twinkleshine pointed to Spike who looked very nervous and was breathing heavily, "He looks like he's going to faint at any moment."

"Oh, I had no idea," Twilight said feeling bad.

Cadence smiled and walked over to her, she put her hand on the girl's shoulder, "Don't worry Twilight, I know you just followed your heart, but I'm sure Spike will need it more than Flash for today."

Twi smiled, "You're right Cadence, it's time to just focus on Spike."





“Once again, my units,” Flash Sentry said as all his units gained 10000 power, “And remember, Flash Heart and Flash Heart X have an extra Critical.”

Those words were what brought Spike down, upon hearing that, he no longer saw his cards, he lowered his head, "I can't."

"There's no way to win, I can't beat Flash," Spike thought as a tear welled up in his eye.

"STAND UP, SPIKE," came a shout.

Spike turned to where his team was and he could see Ember approaching him.

“YOUR LIFE AS A CARDFIGHTER DOESN'T END HERE,” Ember yelled.

“Ember, I…”

"I'm not going to let you lose miserably while I watch, are you going to let everything you've built end up here?"

Spike listened intently.

"Listen, I know he has a Grade 4 unit, but you shouldn't be afraid of him, no matter what type of unit it is, because a cardfighter's job is to overcome them and prove he can fight, that didn't stop you with Garble and I know it cant stop you now."

Hearing that, something had lit up in Spike's heart, "You're right, Ember, the outcome of this cardfight is not set in stone, I won't accept defeat so easily."

Ember smiled and returned to her seat.





“That was very nice, Ember,” Principal Cadence told her.

“I agree, and coming from someone like you, he was also very honest,” Nurse Chrysalis added.

"I'm just telling the truth, Spike is a great cardfighter, I had to remind him," Ember replied.

"Thank you Ember," Twilight thought, putting a hand to her heart.





Flash smiled, "Ember is a great girl."

"Yeah, it is," Spike replied, blushing.

"So, do you think you can continue?" Flash asked.

Spike acquired a determined smile, "Shoot with everything you've got, Sentry."

"That's what I wanted to hear, I'll attack with my Sentry Knight supported by Wyvern." (PWR 37000)

“I guard with Angry Sea Dragon and intercept with Knight of the Purple Dragon,” Spike said as he placed the cards in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 25000)





"That's interesting, why did he decide to take cover from such a weak attack?" Thorax asked.

“If he covered up from that attack, it's because he's planning on taking more damage,” Ember said.

“He lost his mind, what he expects with more damage,” Coconut Cream asked.

“Maybe he's waiting for a trigger, and for the sake of our club, I hope he gets a good trigger,” Toola Roola replied.

"But it's still risky, the remaining Flash units will have an extra Critical," Thorax thought.





“Now I'll attack with Flash Heart Dragon X,” Flash said placing the unit horizontally, also placing the Wyvern behind his Vanguard to give it the power boost. (PWR 41000)

Although Spike was afraid of his decision, he stood his ground and said the next words, "No Guard."





"Have he given up yet?" asked Fleetfoot.

"No Fleetfoot, but he's waiting to get Triggers, or for Flash not to get one," Soarin told him.





“Triple Drive, First check,” Flash Sentry said as he drew a card from his deck, it was a normal unit, “No Trigger.”

“Whew,” Spike said with relief.

“Second check,” Flash took out another card and seeing it, he smiled, “Springer, Critical Trigger, and the boost is from Flash Heart Dragon.”

"No," Spike thought scared, "That's 3 damage, and I have 3 damage, nothing can be worse anymore."

"Third check," Flash pulled out another card and seeing it, he smiled again, "Another Springer."

“2 Criticals in a row,” Spike said as his pupils dilated.





“Oh no, this is not looking good,” Ember said.

“That was a total of 4 damage,” Thorax added.





“Good job,” Soarin said.

"We already have victory," Spearhead said, "Thank you Flash."





"Damage...Check," Spike said, getting nervous again, he decided to look at the top card of his deck, it was a normal unit, "First check."

Spike: 4/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage

"Second check," Spike pulled another card from his deck, he saw it, but unfortunately it was another normal unit.

Spike: 5/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage





“It's over,” Nurse Chrysalis said crying and leaning on Cadence who was so attentive that she didn't care that the nurse was staining her suit with her tears.

But Twilight Sparkle knew that her little brother wouldn't give in so easily, she gathered air in her lungs to let out her loudest cry of encouragement, "SPIKE, DON'T GIVE UP."





Spike's eyes widened, seeing that it was Twi who yelled, he smiled, clenched his fist and saw the next card from his deck, "Third check."

Spike was surprised to see what it was, "HEAL TRIGGER, PEEWEE THE PHOENIX HEALER."

“Mmm,” Flash also raised an eyebrow.





"Damn, a Heal Trigger," Spearhead complained.

“But a single heal won't save him, he still has another damage check,” Fleetfoot added.

But Soarin watched with concern.





"Come on Spike," Thorax raised both hands to his head.

Coconut Cream and Toola Roola hugged each other in fear while Ember just watched without saying anything.





"Final check," Spike said, closing his eyes and taking out a card from his deck, opening them, he realized something, his deck had heard him, he smiled, "Another Peewee, Heal Trigger."

"Impossible," said Flash Sentry who was shocked.





“You have got to be kidding,” Fleetfoot said.

“A double heal trigger,” Soarin said in amazement, “Wow.”





“Amazing, even at his lowest point, Spike has managed to survive,” Lemon Zest announced.

Spike couldn't believe it, of course, he was happy to have resisted but he was still in shock, "I almost peed my pants."

Spike: 5/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 4/6 Damage





“Damn, we were so close,” Sugarcoat complained.

“It was just luck, that green-haired brat won't last long there,” Indigo Zap told him.





“Im…I'm not done yet,” Flash Sentry said as he placed his last 2 units horizontally, “Flash Heart Dragon supported by Wyvern, attack his Vanguard.” (PWR 61000)

"I protect myself with 2 Angry Sea Dragons," Spike placed his Triggers in the Guard Zone. (SHLD 30000)

Flash frowned, "End of my turn."





“Whew, that was pretty close,” Thorax said.

“I get you, I was just about to throw out the congratulations cake and trade it for a better luck next time cake,” Nurse Chrysalis said, making everyone look at her in confusion, “What? I always have a plan."

“In any case, he did well, but now he just has to come back this turn, I hope he does it,” Ember said.





"My turn, Stand and Draw," Spike said as he drew a card from his deck and placed his units vertically, he smiled at the card he drew, "Sweet."

"Did he get what he was looking for?" Flash wondered.

"LET THE POWER OF LIGHTNING JOIN TO YOUR BRAVERY WHILE A MIGHTY THUNDER IS HEARD THROUGH THE ENTIRE DRAGON EMPIRE, CALL," Spike yelled as he placed a Grade 3 unit on his Vanguard, looking like an upgraded version of Crystal Scale, but this one was taller, wore a red cape and what stood out the most was that he used a sword made of Crystal with a heart on the grip, "CRYSTAL SCALE BRAVE." (PWR13000/G3)

"Brave and Glorious," Flash thought, he smiled and spoke to Spike, "I guess the two of them do something when they're together."

"That's right," Spike replied, "But first, look at his individual skill, when Brave enters the field, I get rid of a unit of yours and gain an extra Critical, I choose Flash Heart Dragon."

Flash placed his dragon in the Drop Zone.

“By paying 2 Counter Blast, I can repeat Glorious's skill, it gains an extra Crit and the power of thunder falls on your Sentry Knight,” Spike said as he placed 2 cards face down in his Damage Zone.

"Grrr, are you done yet?" Flash asked as he placed his Sentry Knight in the Drop Zone.

"Not yet, now I'll make use of the Skill they have when Brave and Glorious are together, although since Glorious is in the Vanguard circle, he'll be in charge of doing it," Spike explained, "If I have Brave in my rear guard, I can do Superior Call a Narukami from the Soul.”

"You wouldn't dare," Flash told him.

"Of course I would and I will dare, get up my avatar, Call," Spike placed his best card on the last front row rear guard, "CRYSTAL SCALE." (PWR10000/G2)





“Yeah,” Ember said.

“Crystal Scale is here,” Thorax celebrated.





"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)

"And I'm not done yet, it's time to use the skill of my Brave and Glorious Hound, gain 5000 power for each of your units sent to the Drop Zone by a Narukami's skill," Spike said as he imagined the purple puppy barking at the same time that he gained power. (PWR 17000)

“And finally, Glorious's last Skill, all my units with Crystal Scale in his name will gain 10,000 power,” Spike said.

“No way,” Flash said as he envisioned his rival's mighty power boost.





“Who knew he would pull off something like that,” Moondancer said, “And on top of that, his entire front row has an extra Critical.”

"Spike's skills really have grown," Twilight said in amazement of her little brother.





"Nice work Spike" Flash said "It's time, COME FOR ME."

“Alrgiht, I'll attack first with Brave supported by Hound,” Spike said, placing the units horizontally. (PWR 40000)

“Guard,” Flash Sentry yelled as he placed a card in the Guard Zone, “FLASH HEART DIVINE SHIELD.” (SHLD 0)

"A Perfect Guard," Spike said, "That won't stop us, Glorious, go get him," Spike arranged his units horizontally. (PWR 31000)

“Again Perfect Guard,” Flash Sentry yelled as he placed a card in the Guard Zone, “FLASH HEART DIVINE SHIELD.” (SHLD 0)





“Another Perfect Guard, this is not looking good,” Thorax said in fear.

Ember ground her teeth.





“Just hold on,” Soarin yelled as the other companions only watched, words clearly lost in emotion.





“Twin Drive,” Spike said as he drew the 2 cards, and the 2 were Triggers, a Critical and a Draw, “Double Trigger, I give everything to Crystal Scale.”

Flash frowned, "With just one Trigger I could have held, but he get 2, no doubt he's a true Cardfighter, I'll have to take the next damage."





“He got it, another Double Trigger,” Thorax pointed out to which Ember smiled.





"Now Crystal Scale, this is our final attack, GYAHHHHH," Spike yelled as he imagined himself as Crystal Scale about to attack Flash Heart Dragon X.

“For my loved ones, I will fight with bravery and glory,” Spike/Crystal Scale said as they launched their ultimate attack.





"WIN, SPIKE," Twilight Sparkle yelled.





“HAAAAAAAA,” Spike/Crystal Scale yelled as they landed the punch.

“GYAHHHH,” Flash Sentry/Flash Heart Dragon X groaned in pain.

Back in the real world.

Flash had been hit by an attack that had a Critical of 3.

"But I'm not going to lose like that, Damage Check," Flash said as he placed a card in the Damage Zone, "No Trigger."

Spike: 5/6 Damage
Flash Sentry: 5/6 Damage

"Second check," Flash placed another card, he was surprised to see it, "Soul, Heal Trigger."

“Holy Gems,” Spike exclaimed, “A Heal Trigger.”





"Alright Flash," Soarin yelled, "You just need to pull out one more miracle, you can do it."





Not giving up hope, Flash drew the last card, expecting another heal, "Third check."

Seeing the card, he smiled, "Shining was right, it doesn't show, but you really do have the power and heart of a Dragon."

Flash placed that last card in the Damage Zone.

Spike: 5/6 Damage (WINNER)
Flash Sentry: 6/6 Damage
> The Challenges That The Future Will Bring Us
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Shining was right, it doesn't show, but you really do have the power and heart of a Dragon."

Flash placed that last card in the Damage Zone.

Spike: 5/6 Damage (WINNER)
Flash Sentry: 6/6 Damage

Literally everyone in the gym (with the exception of Flash Sentry and Principal Cadence) had gasped.

Spike couldn't believe what he was seeing, he had to pinch himself to know if it wasn't some illusion or a dream, "Ouch."

“Okay, this is real,” Spike said, “I…I beat him?”

Lemon Zest was the first to recover the posture, when doing so, she smiled when she saw the result and with great pleasure she announced the following:

“The battle is over, one where action and drama were present, mighty dragons fighting each other, but in the end, whoever wins is none other than the leader of the Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club, Spike.”





Hearing that, excitement reached the ears of the Crystal Prep Cardfighting Club.

“He made it,” Toola Roola said in surprise.

“Spike won, that means our club…” Coconut Cream said but Toola Roola finished the sentence for her, “It will be accepted.”

“YAY,” the 2 girls celebrated as everyone started clapping.

"Very well done Spike," said Thorax who couldn't help but shed a few tears, "You won."

"I knew he wasn't going to give up," Ember thought, "He's the leader for a reason."

“He is the winner,” Nurse Chrysalis said excitedly.

Cadence said nothing, just smiled.

"Spike, you did it, you managed to show us that you were strong," Twilight Sparkle said with a tear of joy in her eye, "You are a true cardfighter, little bro."





Spike remained motionless in his seat, he was still processing what had happened, but Flash's voice made him come back to his senses.

"What can I say," Flash Sentry said, "it's been spectacular."

Spike was looking at him carefully, not knowing what to say.

“One would say it was a miracle, but, that miracle was created by you,” Flash said, “On that last turn, you managed to call out an entire front row with Double Critical, and that was thanks to one of my Vanguard's attacks didn't scare you, getting you to get a Double Heal, wow.”

“Flash,” Spike said, feeling touched by his words.

"No matter how difficult the path was, no matter how strong units I called in, no matter how much pressure I managed to impose," Flash said with a smile, "You didn't give up, you found your way and that's why you've grown as a Cardfighter."

"Still, I think I was very lucky," Spike said.

"And luck helps those who deserve it," Flash replied as he extended his hand for a handshake, "It was a very fun battle Spike, I hope to fight you again in the future, but I warn you, I will also become more strong for when that day comes.”

Spike smiled, accepted the handshake, "Thanks Flash, and I'll be glad to look forward to that day."

Flash Sentry smiled and withdrew to where his team was.

Tears of joy were coming out of Spike's eyes, who had finished processing everything, after recovering, he raised his right arm and shouted, "I WON."

That cry stood out from the shouts of celebration from his friends.





But the reaction of the student council was very different.

Sunny Flare gave an expressionless look, "Oh, he didn't lose."

“Grr dammit, that idiot was supposed to lose,” Sour Sweet said with the furiest expression she could muster.

“Unfortunately,” Sugarcoat said with an angry expression, “we have no choice anymore, we must accept his stupid club.”

“I refuse,” Indigo Zap said as she clenched her fists, “Just give me 5 minutes alone with that green-haired fool, I'm going to make him see reason and he'll understand why he can't start his club.”

"Why's that?" Said Principal Cadence who had approached, surprising the girls from the student council.

“The Cardfighting Club had complied with everything necessary for their approval,” Cadence told them, “You added an extra condition, which they achieved with great effort, so it is your duty to allow the creation of the Club, otherwise, you would be breaking the rules of the school.”

“It's the rules,” Lemon Zest said, walking closer, “I bet you wouldn't want to break them in front of the headmistress.”

“Ughhh, fine,” Sugarcoat frowned and backed away, “Let's go girls.”

“Good luck with your club,” Lemon Zest told them as she left with the student council.





Later on the streets of Canterlot.

There was the student council which had finished for today, frustrated that they couldn't stop the creation of the 
Cardfighting Club.

“Well, this is where I retire,” Lemon Zest left and took another way.

When she left, the others continued arguing about what had happened.

“AHHH, I HAVE NEVER BEEN HUMILIATED LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE,” Sugarcoat yelled.

“Tskk and then they say I'm the temperamental one, BUT I UNDERSTAND YOU, THAT GREEN-HAIRED IDIOT WILL PAY FOR THIS,” said Sour Sweet.

"But what can we do?" asked Indigo Zap, "He already has his club."

“I guess nothing, I think I'll just forget about it,” Sunny Flare said as she turned in another direction, “Bye, see you tomorrow.”

"She's right, what can we do to get revenge against Spike?" wondered Sugarcoat.

"Did you say Spike?" they heard a voice, they turned and saw an 18-year-old girl with pink skin and spikey yellow hair, she was wearing a black blouse and jeans, she was also wearing boots with thorns.

"And who are you?"

“My name is Scales, leader of Team Doomrider, we recently had a problem with one of our members which involved a green haired boy named Spike, even though he did the right thing, in the end he tarnished our team's reputation, and we are not going to allow that.”

“You're basically saying, we should unite, since you and we want the same thing, revenge,” Sugarcoat said.

Scales smiled, "That's right, so what do you say, do you want to join the second team?"

The 3 girls smiled evilly.





"Sorry guys, I could have given more of myself," Flash Sentry apologized to his team.

Soarin smiled, "Don't apologize, that was the most epic battle I've ever seen."

"Yeah," Spearhead nodded, "I almost dropped my pants off."

"Umm, Spearhead, you should look down," Flash told him.

Spearhead looked down and realized that his pants had fallen down, "Oh."

“I admit it was spectacular, I hadn't seen so many Heal Triggers in a single Cardfight,” Fleetfoot added.

"The point is, you did very well, and we all know you're still the strongest Cardfighter, Spike just was lucky," Soarin told him.

"He was lucky because he was a great Cardfighter," Flash replied, "But I'll make sure to improve no matter who my opponent is."

The entire Wonderbolt Academy club smiled, and at that moment Spitfire woke up, “Ughh, what happened? Did we win?





Spike returned to his team and was showered with praise.

“Spike,” Toola Roola and Coconut Cream yelled as they jumped on him to hug him.

"Ahh," Spike yelled and then fell to the ground with the two girls still on top of him.

"You did it, you defeated Wonderbolt Academy."

"Thanks to you we will have our club."

“Thank you girls, but it wasn't just me, we all fought to make this possible, credit goes to all our Cardfighting Club members,” Spike replied.

"Dawww."

“Thanks Spike,” the girls said as they continued to hug him, causing Spike to blush deeply.

When Ember witnessed that scene, one of her eyes twitched.

“Okay girls, let's let him breathe,” Ember said with a frown as she separated Toola Roola and Coconut Cream from Spike.

Spike recovered, he saw Thorax approaching him, "Well done Spike, that's the way to fight."

"Same to you, Mr. 5 Criticals," Spike replied as he and Thorax bumped fists.

Ember approached him.

“I must admit you exceeded my expectations, even I would have problems in a cardfight with Flash, but you managed to hold your ground and win, good job Spike,” Ember told him.

"The reason I won was because you pushed me, you believed in me, thanks to that I felt I could do everything, really Ember, I appreciate it," Spike replied.

Ember blushed and looked away, "Don't mention it."

And at that moment, Spike hugged Ember, which made her blush even more, "Oh, right, the hug thing."

The beautiful moment lasted around 15 seconds, they cut the hug when they heard the voice of the Principal Cadence.

"Very well done Spike," Cadence told him as she handed him a piece of paper, "Your club has been officially approved."

"Really?" Spike asked with a smile.

"You earned the right by winning Spike, now you run the club like a true leader," Flash Sentry told him as he approached.

Spike couldn't believe it, he saw the paper that authorized the creation of the Cardfighting Club, after processing it for a few seconds, he was happy, "We did it, the club is now official."

The whole club cheered, “WE DID IT.”

"But of course you did," Twilight Sparkle said as she hugged Spike.

"Twilight," Spike said as he hugged her back, "Thank you."

“And I'm sure Shining would be very happy if he saw you right now, knowing that you defeated a powerful team like his,” Twilight added.

"But of course I am," they heard a voice, turned around and couldn't believe who they were seeing.

"Shniy," Twilight and Spike said at the same time, happy to see their big brother.

"Twily, Spike, it's good to see you again," Shining Armor hugged them.

"We can say the same," Twilight Sparkle replied as she hugged him back.

"How much have you observed?" Spike asked as he hugged him back.

"I see enough, and let me tell you, you did very well Spike," Shining Armor congratulated him.

"Shining," Cadence approached, joining the hug.

"Cadence, or should I say, Headmistress Cadence or Principal Cadence," Shining Armor teased.

“Oh please, enough of the formalities, you know we're out of school hours, so you can just call your girlfriend by her first name,” Cadence replied.

“I know, I just like to see your reaction,” Shining teased.

“Oh come here,” at which point Cadence kissed Shining Armor on the lips.

The kiss lasted for several seconds, so Chrysalis intervened and she pointed at Spike, Toola Roola and Coconut Cream, "There are kids here."

“We're not kids,” Spike, Toola Roola, and Coconut Cream said, all three of them pouting to which Shining laughed.

“You certainly grew,” Shining Armor told them, “you did very well in the cardfight.”

"They did more than well, Coach," Flash Sentry told him.

"Flash we already talked about this, just Shining."

"Sorry, it's still weird that I call you that."

"Well, it's something we'll have to get used to," Shining replied, "You did excellent Flash too, you played very well with a card added at the last moment."

Flash Sentry smiled a little embarrassed.

“Flash is an impressive cardfighter,” Twilight Sparkle added, “There's no doubt he could do miracles no matter what deck he's using.”

Shining smiled, "That's why he's the leader of my team."

"Well, a deal's a deal anyway," Flash Sentry said as he took out Flash Heart Dragon X's card and wanted to hand it over to Shining, "Here it is, thanks for letting me use it."

"But what are you talking about?" Shining Armor asked.

"You said you had to be strong to use it, I lost the battle," Flash replied, "I still have a long way to go."

Shining smiled, “Flash, a loss doesn't mean you're not strong, it's our actions that define us and when I saw the two of you fight with your units, you managed to exceed my expectations.”

"Are you serious?" asked Flash Sentry.

“That's right, you two are very strong and that's why Flash Heart Dragon X will be better off with a cardfighter like you,” Shining Armor replied.

"Wow, I guess, I don't know what to say," Flash Sentry said.

"I think you should accept it, Flash," Twilight Sparkle told him, "I can't imagine Flash Heart Dragon X without a cardfighter like you."

Flash smiled, "Ok, I'll get stronger in the future and I won't forget to teach you more about the game, Twi."

Twilight blushed, "I'm available every day after school."

Hearing that, Shining Armor began to suspect something, "Is she, that look, why does she look at Flash with that look, I've only seen that kind of look on Cadence, it can't be."

“Oh Twilight,” Cadence thought, she knew that the blue-haired student from Wonderbolt Academy had had an effect on her.

Shining shook his head and spoke, "Going back to the original topic, I'm here to congratulate you on your victory, and I came to give you something."

Shining Armor pulled out a briefcase and approached Spike, "Spike, it's been years since I gave you Crystal Scale."

Spike nodded, feeling a little nostalgic.

"You told me that time that you couldn't imagine yourself to be such a brave warrior."

"That's right," Spike agreed, a little ashamed of himself.

“But, currently, what you think is different right, I'm sure you can now imagine yourself as the legendary Crystal Scale,” Shining told him.

Spike raised his head, looked at his teammates, he thought about the cardfights they had that day, his reason for fighting, "I…"

And at that moment, Spike showed the most confident smile, "I can already imagine it, we've all grown here, we've helped each other and that's why I can already imagine myself as Crystal Scale."

Spike pulled out the aforementioned card, "And we can go even further."

Shining smiled, "I'm so proud of you little bro, that's why I would like your club to receive this."

Shining handed him the briefcase.

"What is it?" asked Spike.

“You and your club will have to open it to find out,” Shining Armor replied.

The entire Crystal Prep club came over to see what it was.

Spike opened the briefcase and saw many cards, arranged in 5 rows, one had cards from the Narukami clan, another row had cards from the Kagero clan, the middle row contained cards from the Megacolony clan, the next row had cards from the Pale clan Moon while in the last row there were cards from the Neo Nectar clan.

The eyes of the entire club nearly pop out of their skulls, clearly shocked.

"Shiny, these are new cards," Spike said in surprise.

Shining smiled, "That's right Spike, and they're for you and your club."

“Wow, this is amazing,” Toola Roola and Coconut Cream said as they looked at their respective clan cards.

“Thank you very much Shining,” Thorax thanked.

“This is great,” Ember added.

"I don't know what to say, saying I'm very grateful would be weak," Spike said.

"You don't need to say anything Spike, you deserve it," and at that moment, Shining Armor pulled out another briefcase and approached Twilight, "You too Twi, for you and your friends."

"For us?" Twilight asked to which Shining nodded.

Twi opened the briefcase and saw several cards that would serve her and her friends, with their respective clans.

"Wow Shining, how did you know which clans we used?" Twilight asked.

“Cadence told me, she saw your decks,” Shining replied.

"You're very kind Shining," Twilight thanked.

“You deserve it too, and I think you will need it in the future,” Shining said with a determined smile.

"What are you talking about?" asked Spike.

“Cadence,” Shining called her.

At that moment, Cadence walked over and pulled out some kind of flyer, "Thanks to the sponsorship of Bushiroad, the company that created Vanguard, we have been allowed the honor of starting Vanguard's first interscholastic tournament here in Canterlot."

"A tournament?" Spike asked excitedly.

Cadence nodded.

“This is going to be great,” Ember said, “We'll be able to fight other Cardfighters.”

"Yeah, it'll be fun," Thorax agreed.

“And we will face another school as a team?” Twilight asked.

“Yes and no,” Cadence replied, “While we can cheer on our school member, this tournament will be completely individual, there could be battles between students from the same school.”

"So, which is the other school?" asked Spike.

“Canterlot High,” Cadence replied as she unfolded the flyer, on which the following could be seen:


FRIENDSHIP GAMES VANGUARD CIRCUIT.


"And it will be at the Friendship Games."

“I hope you'll be ready when that day comes,” Shining Armor told them.

“We will,” all the students at Crystal Prep nodded.

“I wish you the best of luck,” Flash Sentry told them.

Spike smiled, this was a new chapter in his life, something for which he felt he was a good fit, he began to imagine how exciting this tournament would be, with the next Cardfighters he would face and the best, he would not be alone this time.





Several of the students had stayed in the gym, talking about the upcoming tournament, but Shining had come out and asked Flash and Soarin to walk them to the entrance.

“I'm sorry I brought you all the way here,” Shining Armor apologized.

"Don't worry Shining," Flash Sentry said, "I guess something had to happen."

“And it must be very important,” Soarin added.

Shining nodded with a serious look, "And boy is it, I already have news from your friend Thunderlane."

Flash and Soarin's expressions changed to more serious ones.

"So he already knows something," Flash Sentry said.

"That's right, as you know, we have been suspicious of Team Doomrider, since Spike defeated Garble, they have been inactive in any tournament or important event related to Vanguard, that's why I asked Thunderlane to infiltrate as a member of the second team. so we could have information and my suspicions were true,” Shining Armor replied.

“So, they're planning something big,” Soarin said.

"And what kind of information did Thunderlane give you?" Flash Sentry asked.

“Pretty useful one,” Shining Armor replied, “Apparently, 5 new members were added to the main team today.”

“Grrr, like we need more cardfighters with a dark soul,” Flash Sentry said through gritted teeth.

"And it's not just that, Flash, one of them is..." Shining paused unsure of himself, he thought if it was necessary to tell him, but in the end he decided to be honest, "... your brother."

Flash gasped, he couldn't believe his ears.





Meanwhile, at Team Doomrider's lair.

Scales, the team leader was sitting with her other 4 teammates, Smolder, Starlight Glimmer, Heath Burns and the new member who had replaced Garble, Rumble.

"Thank you for being here today," Scales said coldly, she continued, "As you know, for our plan to be successful, we have to expand."

The other members muttered among themselves.

"And I'm not just referring to the second team which just received 3 new members directly from Crystal Prep, I'm referring to our main team, that's why I made the decision to double the number of members, ¿someone is against that decision?”

No one said anything, they just nodded silently.

“Very well, then, it's time to introduce the new members,” Scales said as she opened the door, 5 people entered, there were 2 women and 3 men.

Scales approached and decided to introduce them, first she addressed a girl who seemed to be the same age as Spike, her skin was pink, she had scarlet eyes, she wore a white dress, black sneakers, she had a backpack with a drawing of a chess tower, but what the most outstanding thing about that girl was her light blue hair which was styled with many curls.

“First we have Cozy Glow, don't let her looks fool you, she's terrifying in all her Cardfights,” Scales said to which Cozy just smirked.

Later, she approached a boy who also seemed to be about Spike's age, he had dark yellow, almost orange skin, blue hair, wore sneakers, jeans with several holes in the legs, and a shirt with a baseball drawn on it.

“He is First Base, a boy who has improved a lot in our tests, so I made sure he was promoted first from the second team,” Scales said as First Base showed no emotion on his face.

She then approached a boy who looked to be about the age of Thorax and Ember, his skin was blue, and had blue-and-yellow hair styled in a way that brought out his yellow parts, wearing a leather jacket, boots, and black pants.

“This is Gallus, a cardfighter who has destroyed his opponents, I found him dueling in the worst bars in the city, he made money from illegal cardfights, which will be a nice addition to the team,” Scales said as Gallus flashed a face bored expression, "Don't expect any love from me, I didn't come here to make friends."

“Hehe, I like you,” Scales replied as she approached a girl about Twilight's age, her skin was yellow and she had extremely poofy orange hair, she was wearing a long purple dress with purple boots, as well as wearing black bracelets on her wrists. 

"I present to you Adagio Dazzle, I think you already know her and her sisters, who are still in the second team, she is the most talented of the 3 which earned her a place here," Scales said while Adagio walked away formally introduced, "Nice to meet you."

Then Scales approached the last boy who had a white mask that hid his face in its entirety, the Megacolony clan insignia was drawn on the mask, he wore a huge cape that covered his entire body, the only thing that could be seen were his black boots.

"And what's that guy's problem?" Heath Burns asked mocking him, "Do you think you're some kind of vigilante?"

The mysterious guy didn't answer, he just stood still.

"He has preferred to hide his identity for various reasons, once I found him in a park challenging several cardfighters, he didn't lose once, but I recruited him for an additional reason and that is..." Scales said and then the mysterious boy continued for her, his voice sounded strange it was a robotic voice, "That I like to see the suffering of losers, to see hope leave their faces, it's a beautiful feeling."

This surprised everyone present.

“That's right, I've seen him fight, I've never seen any other Megacolony user with that level of aggression,” Scales added.

“Actually there is another Megacolony user that I can't bear to see, I plan to finish him off,” the mysterious boy said in his robotic voice.

“I think I can understand you,” First Base told him, then he frowned, “I have a score to settle with a Gold Paladin user.”

“Nahh, I only do this for the money,” Gallus added.

"Fascinating, I like your spirit, with members like you, Team Doomrider will be the strongest team, and with our power, we will manage to change the Vanguard game to something bigger and more serious forever, HAHAHAHA." Scales laughed evilly, to which the other members laughed with her.





“Grr, I smell possible trouble down the road,” Soarin said.

"Which we can avoid," Flash Sentry added with a determined look.

"That's right, we won't let them stain this game," Shining Armor said, "But I want to ask you one thing."

Shining and Soarin listened carefully.

"Let's leave Spike and his friends out of this, that includes Twilight and her friends as well," Shining told them making them all confused.

"But Spike proved powerful, I'm sure he could be of great help," Soarin said.

"I know, but as an older brother I want to protect him. I know it will make things a little more complicated, but he was already in danger when he faced Garble, if he finds out about this, he will surely want to join us, he is just a child,  I dont want him to be in more danger.

Flash and Soarin understood the feeling, especially Flash, he also shared the feeling of wanting to protect a younger brother.

"Understood, we will fight to stop Team Doomrider from doing something cruel, we will not give up."





The next day.

Spike had finished his classes, and was heading home, although it seemed strange to him that he didn't run into any of his friends from the club.

"Maybe they left earlier today, I guess," Spike thought.

When he got to his house, he opened the door, but was surprised when he heard the voices of many people in the room.

"CONGRATULATIONS."

"AHHH," Spike yelled as he fell to the ground, not expecting to be surprised by a lot of people.

"What the..." was what Spike said as he tried to get up, he saw that his friends from the club were there, along with Twilight and her friends, their parents, Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flash, even nurse Chrysalis was there.

"Sorry about that," Ember helped Spike up.

"It's okay Ember," Spike said, "I just didn't expect to be surprised."

“You're kidding Spike, you deserve it,” his father Night Light said.

"Shining told us everything, you fought bravely, I couldn't be more proud of you Spike," added his mother Twilight Velvet.

"Hehe, thanks mom and dad," Spike thanked, then he looked at Ember and realized something, this was the first time she went to his house, "Oh and I see that you already know Ember."

“Yes, she told us in more detail what happened in the store,” Night Light replied.

“And I must admit, she's prettier than we imagined,” Vevet added making Ember blush a little.

After a few moments, the party had started, Chrysalis had brought a cake for the club's victory, but when they saw what was written on the cake, they all got confused.

"Umm, mom, why is that written on the cake?" Thorax asked to which Chrysalis saw the cake, and she was surprised to read the following.

BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.

“Wrong Cake,” Chrysalis said as she pulled out another one that had the following words written on it.

CONGRATULATIONS.

"Had a cake in case they lost?" I ask Cadence.

“No, I knew they would win,” Chrysalis said, looking in another direction clearly lying.

Minutes later, the party had died down a bit so the Crystal Prep students decided to play Vanguard.

Toola Roola was having a battle against Coconut Cream willing to get stronger.

“We'll see who of the two is stronger,” Toola Roola told her.

“That will be me,” Coconut Cream replied, “After all, I almost beat Flash.”

"Oh really."

Thorax was teaching Moondancer how to play.

“So I'll defend myself, placing this card in the middle, it's called Guard Zone, now my Trigger has a defense of 15000,” Thorax said.

“Okay, now I'm getting it,” Moondancer said, barely taking her gaze from Thorax.

While Flash was teaching Twilight how to play, she was surprised at how quickly she learned.

“RIDE, HARMONY WITCH,” Twilight yelled as she placed that unit on her Vanguard, “do I do it right?”

"You do very well Twi, Shining was right in the fact that you are very smart, and pretty too," Flash replied making Twi blush.

While that was happening, Spike was on the balcony of his room, he was building his deck while watching the sunset.

"Who would have thought, that I would be able to do so much and thanks to a card game, years ago I was lost, but I managed to find the way and in it, friends and people who cared about me," Spike thought with a smile as he finished organizing his deck with the new cards that Shining gave him, "I think it's ready."

"Took you long enough," Spike turned to hear Ember's voice, which was behind him.

"Yeah sorry," Spike apologized, "I had to make some modifications to my deck, and doing them here relaxes me."

"I understand you, this place looks nice," Ember replied, noticing his satisfied face, "I can see you're excited."

"That's right, I mean, we're not only going to an interscholastic tournament, we've also managed to get our own club, I didn't think that was possible, especially for someone like me," Spike told her.

“Sometimes you think you're not capable of doing something,” Ember said, “So when you do it, the euphoria is enormous, not just from the fact of achieving it, but from the fact of doing something good for other people.”

Spike was paying attention to what Ember said.

"It was thanks to you Spike, you were the one who had the idea of ​​the club, thanks to that I did not join some other club that I disliked, I have always wanted to be the best cardfighter, and now you have promoted that goal, just because you were the only one who dared to take that step to face the student council, again Spike, thank you,” Ember told him with a lot of feeling.

Spike smiled as a tear of joy fell from one of his eyes, "Ember, all I did was start a club."

“You did a lot more than that,” Ember replied as she approached Spike, he was a little intimidated by the slight difference in height but he stood his ground.

"Umm Ember," Spike said nervously.

And in that moment.

Spike saw Ember who had given him a kiss on his cheek, he couldn't believe what was happening, he thought it was a dream, but it wasn't, it was real.

Ember finished kissing Spike.

"What was that?" asked Spike intensely blushing.

"I think It's called a kiss," Ember replied.

"Oh...um, I definitely I like it, so...okay," He said, then, she patted him on the head and hugged him as Spike hugged her tighter.





Meanwhile, at the school known as Canterlot High.

“The new edition of the friendship games, a grand tournament from Vanguard,” said a tall woman with blue skin and dark blue hair.

“I think that by your reactions, you are excited,” said another woman, even taller than the previous one with white skin whose hair seemed to have the colors of an aurora.

6 girls standing next to them felt, clearly excited about the upcoming tournament coming up.





But before finishing this story, one thing was still missing.

At the Sparkle family home.

Cadence held a microphone in her hand, "And to end this club victory party, we will have a duel between 2 great cardfighters, one taught the other and now they are destined to meet again."

Spike and Shining Armor approached the table.

“Spike and Shining Armor,” Cadence announced excitedly.

“Hehe, I don't think I taught him anything though,” Shining laughed.

Spike shook his head, "What are you talking about? You are a good brother, you were the one who gave me Crystal Scale, and thanks to that, I am where I am now."

Shining Armor was touched by his little brother's words, “I always thought of winning when playing in those big tournaments, but seeing you and your friends fighting with all your spirit and having fun even when you were in danger, filled me with hope. ”

“And in the end I realized that I learned more from you in a single day,” Shining Armor said.

"Playing is fun, win or lose," Spike told him, "It's one of the first things you said to me years ago, actually you taught me a lot."

"I see," Shining replied with a smile, but then that smile widened to one of excitement, "Then let's get started."

At that moment, Shining put his one card face down in the Vanguard Circle and seeing him, Spike did the same.

"Yeah," Spike said with a smile.

One thing was certain, that no matter what the future held for them, they would have their friends by their side, no matter how big the challenge would be, they would complete it.

And at that moment the 2 flipped their cards while shouting.


STAND UP, THE VANGUARD.