Chapters It has been 6 years since the day Shining Armor gave the Crystal Scale card to Spike and in that time, Spike changed for the better, not only him, Twilight Sparkle had also changed, since she managed to make friends, this due to thanks to Cadence's help, she was the current principal of Crystal Prep, but she was also Twilight and Spike's longtime babysitter.
Cadence helped her and now it was her turn to help Spike make friends.
Spike (who was now 14 years old) and Cadence were in the Crystal Prep gym, Spike had grown, reaching 1.70, taller than Twilight Sparkle, now he was wearing the school uniform, Cadence was a woman with pink skin, pink, yellow and violet hair, she was 22 years old and she wore an elegant, remarkable suit of a principal.
"I appreciate you offering to help Spike," Cadence thanked him.
"No problem Cadence, you know I can draw pretty well," Spike replied.
Spike had volunteered to draw the banner for the Friendship Games, a competition they were having with Canterlot High.
But at that moment, a boy taller than Spike entered the gym, he seemed to be 15 years old, he had green skin, green hair with an orange hue and completely purple eyes.
"Sorry I'm late, I'm here," the boy said cordially.
“Oh, it's good that you're here, you can start now,” Cadence replied kindly.
“Umm, Cade… I mean, principal Cadence?” Spike asked.
"Oh right, Spike, he is Thorax, he also offered to help with the banner design," Cadence replied.
"Oh, umm, hi," Spike greeted nervously.
"Nice to meet you, Spike," Thorax greeted him back.
"Well, I'll be back in a few minutes, I hope you guys surprise me," Cadence told them as they left.
While decorating the banner, Spike and Thorax started talking about the things they liked, it turns out they had a lot in common.
Minutes passed, so Cadence went back to see if the two of them had finished.
Upon entering, she smiled because she heard them talking and laughing, then she was amazed by the design of the banner, it was painted with beautiful green flames.
"Nice design, it conveys passion, but it also means we're on fire with victory," Cadence told them.
"It was Spike's idea," Thorax told him.
"But Thorax, you said making the fire green would be better, that was your idea too," Spike told him.
“Hmm, I guess you're right,” Thorax said with a laugh.
Spike just smiled.
Cadence smiled, she was proud that Spike had finally made a friend.
1 month later
Spike was in a classroom, he was enjoying his free hour in which he didn't have to worry about studying, he had become a Cardfighter, a player of the card game his Crystal Scale card came from, over time, he managed to build a deck and at that time he was organizing it.
He built his deck, based on the Crystal Scale card, so he bought cards that were from the same clan, that is, Narukami.
Spike laid his cards on the surface of his seat and began to think which one he should take out and which one he should put in his deck.
Spike's cards had a draconian theme, almost all of them were dragons, he had 4 copies of each card, and although he also had 4 copies of Crystal Scale, only one had the original artwork, the same one that Shining had given him.
"Hmm, let's see, should I add this?" Spike wondered as he thought, but he was interrupted from his thoughts when he heard a voice that called out to him.
"What are you doing?"
Spike turned to see who it was and saw his classmates, there were 2 girls, the first was a girl with cyan-grey skin, yellow eyes and purple and green hair.
The other girl had pink skin, magenta, yellow, and red hair, and had sky blue eyes.
They were Coconut Cream and Toola Roola, just like Spike, they also wore the Crystal Prep uniform only in a female version with a skirt.
"Yeah, what is that?" Toola Roola continued to point at Spike's deck.
"Oh, this? This is my Vanguard deck," Spike told them.
The 2 girls had been confused.
“Umm, Vanguard is a card game, a really fun one,” Spike continued.
“Oh, I see,” Coconut Cream responded, pretending to understand what Spike was saying.
But Toola Roola was honest, "Well, I don't know anything about Vanguard," then she took a card from Spike, it was a grade 1 named Crystal Hatchling, its power was 8000, on the card you could see a purple baby anthropomorphic dragon in its entirety, which had crystal armor on its arms and legs and had huge green eyes, "But this little dragon looks so cute."
"Hehe, I guess that's cute," Spike laughed nervously, not knowing what to say until someone else entered the room.
"Hey Spike, ready for our duel," Thorax entered the classroom.
"Thanks Thorax you saved me," Spike thought then he spoke to him, "I wouldn't miss it for anything."
"An older student," Toola Roola thought.
"Why did he come to this classroom?" Coconut Cream wondered.
At that moment, Thorax turned a chair and sat on it and from his backpack he took out a deck.
"Do you play this too?" Coconut asked.
Thorax replied animatedly, "Yes, it was thanks to Spike that I discovered this game, you should try it one day, I assure you it will change your lives."
“Hehe, yeah, maybe later,” Coconut said as she nervously backed away.
"Good luck, you two," Toola Roola said as she handed the card back to Spike.
When they were gone Spike was relieved, "Ugh, thanks for that, I didn't know what to do."
"Seriously Spike, are you still afraid of women your age?" Thorax asked comically.
"I'm not afraid of them, I just don't know how to talk to them," Spike replied in an attempt to defend his honor.
"Hey, I'm not judging you, although you are only calm when you talk to the principal Cadence or your sister," Thorax told him to which Spike glared at him, "But enough talk, it's time to fight on the planet Cray .”
“Bring it on, Thorax,” Spike answered, excitedly grateful for the fight that was about to begin.
At that time, the 2 placed a card face down on their respective tables, then shuffled their decks and drew 5 cards.
As the two looked at the cards in their hand, they put some cards back.
“I'll return 2 cards,” Spike said as he placed 2 cards from his hand into his deck, shuffled it, and then drew another 2 cards.
“I'll return 2 cards too,” Thorax said as he did the same as Spike.
At that moment, they turned over the card they left on the table while the two of them shouted:
STAND UP, VANGUARD.
Spike: 0
Spike's card was a purple egg, it looked like a dragon would hatch because the egg sprouted arms and legs and had green eyes, "HARMONY EGG." (PWR4000/G0)
Thorax's card was a mysterious green cocoon that housed a kind of larva inside, "COCOON OF THE LOVE EATER." (PWR6000/G0)
Thorax drew a card from his deck, "I'll go first if you don't mind, I'll Ride my Cocoon" said Thorax as he placed a card on top of the Cocoon, the card was a black anthropomorphic ant with a helmet like the ones soldiers wear, he also had 2 guns on his claws, "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.
"That doesn't impress me," Spike thought with a smile.
"Hehe, I bet that impressed him," Thorax thought with a smile and then yelled, “AND WITH THIS I ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD.”
"WHAT????" Spike yelled worriedly.
"Just kidding Spike, hehe, you should have seen your face, my turn is over," Thorax replied with a laugh.
"Haha, that was very funny," Spike replied sarcastically, it turns out that the first player can't attack on the first turn.
Thorax's deck is called Megacolony, a deck based on insects, something that seemed cool to Spike, since Thorax was a big fan of insects, he always studied them whenever he could.
Spike drew a card from his deck, "My turn, help me in this battle, I ride," Spike said as he placed a card on top of the Egg, the same card Toola Roola noted as cute, "CRYSTAL HATCHLING." (PWR8000/G1)
“Harmony Egg's ability lets me draw an extra card,” Spike said as he drew a card from his deck.
Thorax frowned, more cards in Spike's hand meant more trouble.
“Now I call,” Spike said as he placed another card on the field, placed it in the front rear-guard circle to the left of his Vanguard, the card showing a black wyvern with a red mask, “COMBAT WYVERN .” (PWR8000/G1).
“You don't waste time,” Thorax told him.
“I learned from the best,” Spike replied, then brought his Crystal Hatchling to a horizontal position, “NOW I ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD WITH MINE, GO CRYSTAL HATCHLING.”
“No Guard,” Thorax said.
"In that case, Drive Trigger check," Spike said as he drew a card from his deck, then looked at it and put it into his hand, it was another copy of Crystal Hatchling, "No Trigger."
“Damage Trigger check,” Thorax said as he drew a card from his deck and placed it in his Damage Zone, it was a card that featured an anthropomorphic spider that had swords on 6 of its legs, “No Trigger.”
Spike:0
“Remember that when you have 6 damage, you lose,” Spike told her, then moved the Combat Wyvern card horizontally, “NOW I ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD WITH COMBAT WYVERN.”
“Sorry but i guard that,” said Thorax as he placed a card in the middle of the 2 fields, it was a card with a red icon in the upper right corner, “THIEF FIREFLY.” (SHLD 5000)
That made the attack miss as those 5000 shield reduced the Wyvern's power to just 3000, which wouldn't match the ant's 8000.
"Hmph, nice move," Spike replied, "I'm done with my turn."
Thorax drew a card from his deck and yelled, "IT'S MY TURN, NOW GET UP, RIDE."
Thorax placed a card on top of Dark Ant Soldier, it showed a bipedal creature with holes in its legs, the creature wore armor on its chest and arms, it had completely blue eyes and 2 transparent wings, "CHANGELING KNIGHT." (PWR10000/G2)
Spike gulped, Thorax was about to start his combo.
“The Changeling Knight skill allows me to trap a unit other than the Vanguard, now your Combat Wyvern won't be able to stand in the next turn,” Thorax told him with a determined look.
"Oh Rats," Spike groaned, but he expected that from Thorax, the Megacolony clan relies on holding off your rival's attacks.
“Now I call,” Thorax placed 2 copies of the same card showing the anthropomorphic spider which had swords on 6 of its legs, one to the left of his Vanguard and the other to the right, “SWORDSPIDER .” (PWR10000/G2)X2
"Oh no," Spike said startled.
“First, I will attack your Vanguard with my Swordspider,” Thorax said as he laid the card out horizontally.
"Grrr, no guard," Spike said, having no choice, so he decided to take the damage, "Damage Trigger check."
Spike took a card from his deck, it was a normal unit, so he put it in his Damage Zone.
Spike:1
"Then I attack your Vanguard with Changeling Knight, with the support of Cocoon of the Love Eater, my Vanguard will gain 6000 extra power" Thorax placed his card horizontally while doing the same with the back card. (PWR 14000)
Spike thought about it, but decided to take the risk, "No Guard."
“Drive Trigger check,” Thorax said as he drew a card from his deck, but as he pulled it out, he smiled because he saw a yellow icon in the upper right corner, “FLAME MOTH, A CRITICAL TRIGGER.”
"WHAT?" Spike said, regretting that he hadn't guard.
“Which means you'll get some extra damage, plus the power bonus goes to my Swordspider who hasn't attacked yet,” Thorax told him as his other spider gained more power. (PWR 20000)
"Damage Trigger, first check," Spike took another card from his deck, it was another normal unit and put it in the Damage Zone, the worst thing is that he still had another damage to check.
“Second check,” Spike drew another card, but this one was a Trigger, because it had a red icon in the top corner, Spike was happy about that and placed the card in the Damage Zone, “DRAW TRIGGER ACTIVATED, I DRAW AN EXTRA CARD AND I BOOST MY VANGUARD.” (PWR 18000)
Spike:3
At that moment, Principal Cadence's voice was heard through a loudspeaker, "Attention Crystal Prep students, due to renovations being done in the lab, we ask students to evacuate the school to avoid any danger, Thank you."
Many students left the room relieved that they had left early, but Spike and Thorax paid no attention due to their concentration on their fight.
"And now I attack your Vanguard with my other Swordspider."
"I won't let you do that, I defend myself," Spike replied as he placed another copy of Combat Wyvern in the middle of the 2 fields, "COMBAT WYVERN." (SHLD 5000)
“Hmm, it seems that even though you have more damage, you have much more control of the situation,” Thorax pointed out, “You have a lot of cards in your hand.”
"I know and I'm going to use that to my advantage, I'll show you the greed of a dragon," Spike replied as he pulled a card from his deck and he stand all of his units, except for his Combat Wyvern, due to it being under the effect of the Changeling Knight.
“NOW, ARISE, MY AVATAR,” Spike yelled as he placed on top of Crystal Hatchling the card Shining Armor had given her 6 years ago, “CRYSTAL SCALE.” (PWR10000/G2)
"If I wasn't in trouble before," I am now, Thorax thought scared.
“Crystal Scale Ability,” Spike picked up his deck and began searching through it, then took a Crystal Hatchling card and placed it in the lower-right rear-guard circle, “I can Superior Call a Crystal Hatchling from my deck at the time of being called to any circle.”
"I'll call another unit to help me," Spike placed a card in the upper right corner, right in front of the Crystal Hatchling he had just placed, 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)
“Here it comes,” Thorax said.
“IT IS BATTLE TIME, CRYSTAL SCALE ATTACKS YOUR….” Spike yelled but was cut off.
"SPIKE," came a voice.
Spike and Thorax turned around, only to see Twilight Sparkle at the door, she was now 16 years old, wearing glasses and just like the two of them, she also wore the Crystal Prep uniform, only in a female version with a skirt.
But Twilight was not alone, next to her there were 5 other girls, one had green skin with short mint green hair, another girl had blue skin and short dark blue hair, another girl had white skin and pink hair, another of the girls had yellow skin and blue hair, while the last girl looked a lot like Twilight, she was red-haired with 2 purple streaks in her hair and she also wore glasses.
"Spike, what are you doing?" Twilight asked.
"Umm, trying to get his ass off planet Cray," Spike said, pointing at Thorax.
"Haha, you think I'll let you take my ass out that easy, the only ass kicked out would be yours," Thorax replied.
The other girls were laughing at the two boys' argument, Twilight sighed and put her hand to her forehead.
"Okay but we have to evacuate, you can send each other's asses to the shadow realm another time," Twilight said.
"That's from another card game Twi," Spike replied to which Twilight glared at him.
"Sorry," Spike said startled, to which Twilight's friends giggled.
After laughing, the girl with green hair and skin looked at Thorax, then asked Spike "Spike, aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"
"Oh right, sorry, girls this is Thorax," Spike said as Thorax introduced himself.
“Umm, hi, im Thorax, though you already know that,” Thorax replied sheepishly.
"Thorax, they are Twilight friends, Lyra Heartstrings, Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Moondancer," Spike said as he introduced them.
Each of the girls introduced themselves in their own way until Minuette spoke up.
"Well, we planned to go to the mall, we were wondering if you would like to join us."
Spike and Thorax thought about it, but then they looked at each other to which they both nodded.
"Sure, we'd like to," Spike replied.
“Yeah, it will be fun,” Thorax added.
The reason they agreed to go was because the card shop they always attended was located in the mall.
After that, they headed to Minuette´s van.
Spike, Twilight, and Minuette sat up front, while Thorax, Lyra, Lemon, Twinkleshine, and Moondancer sat in the back.
"So, Spike, Thorax, what were you playing in the classroom?" I ask Lemon Hearts.
Spike and Thorax didn't expect to be asked that.
"I must admit I am intrigued to know," said Moondancer.
“It's a card game Lemon, just like Poker,” Twilight Sparkle told her.
Spike looked at Twilight with a confused expression.
"Oh really, can we see?" Twinkleshine asked.
Spike and Thorax were hesitant at first, but they trusted Twilight's friends, so the two of them pulled out their decks to show them off.
"It's a game called Cardfight Vanguard," Spike said as he handed Lemon Hearts his deck to show her his cards, then turned to his sister, "And no, it's nothing like Poker."
Twilight just rolled her eyes.
As the girls looked at the cards, Lemon spoke up, and pointed at Crystal Hatchling's card, "Daww girls, check this out, this little dragon is so cute."
The other girls nodded, "The cutest," Lyra said.
Twi smirked at spike.
In an attempt to defend his honor, Spike spoke up, "Well, I didn't choose him for being cute, the Narukami is a Dragon Empire clan whose members are…" Spike trailed off when quickly found himself at the mercy of wide puppy eyes from the girls, as if they were on the verge to cry, "But I won't deny that he's very cute, that's a fact," Spike said nervously to which the girls smiled again.
"That always works," Lyra whispered in Lemon's ear, to which she nodded laughing, they liked to tease Spike, but they never did it in a cruel way, for them Spike was like a little brother.
But at that moment a scream of horror was heard from Twinkleshine.
“AHHHHHHHHH.”
"What happened?" Moondancer asked.
"Bugs, they're bugs," was all Twinkleshine could say.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were afraid of bugs," Thorax said.
“Don't worry, it was nothing, I was just surprised,” Twinkleshine replied.
“Well, my clan is called the Megacolony, an insect-based Zoo Nation clan,” Thorax said.
“Insects? That sounds interesting, can I see your cards Thorax?” asked Moondancer.
"Sure," Thorax handed her his deck, "here."
Moondancer began to look at Thorax's deck, she was fascinated, "Wow, look at these designs, you don't see this in the books."
"Perhaps because insects don't use swords," Thorax told him comically, to which Moondancer laughed.
“It might be interesting, but they're still bugs,” Twinkleshine said still scared.
"Maybe, but that's because you haven't seen this one," Moondancer showed Twinkleshine a card, on it was a man dressed in green clothes, he seemed to be some kind of fairy, the card was CHANGELING KING, (PWR 13000/G3 ) “You have to admit he is very handsome.”
Twinkleshine looked carefully at the card, "Whoa, the word handsome doesn't do it justice."
“You know it's just a card,” Twilight Sparkle said.
The 2 noticed and blushed, then handed the card back to Thorax.
"Well, that's Vanguard hehe," Spike said.
“It's a game where you fight your friends with cards, it's a lot of fun,” added Thorax.
"Sounds interesting," Minuette said.
The teenagers continued their journey to the mall.
Meanwhile in a card shop.
There was a yellow-skinned boy with electric blue hair, he was playing Vanguard with a lilac-skinned boy with gray-blue hair.
The yellow boy spoke, "Alright, it's time," he placed a card on top of the one on the table.
"I RIDE," the card showed a bipedal 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)
“I hope you are ready Microchips, because Flash Heart Dragon will bring me victory in this battle,” the yellow boy said.
Author's Note
Here you have another chapter, wow, I felt very inspired to write it, that's why I did it in a short time, I hope you enjoy it, what do you think of Spike and Thorax decks?
I thank Banshee531 for let me use Flash Heart Dragon in this story
Canterlot Mall.
Spike and Thorax had arrived thanks to the girls, so now it was time to go to their favorite card shop.
"We're here at last," Thorax said.
"The card shop, Dragon Booster, where you can improve your deck," Spike said as he and Thorax entered.
The card shop was sized to hold at least 50 people, it had plenty of tables to play at, but today there seemed to be not many people, just 2 guys playing in a corner, which made sense because it was usually still class time.
"Mr. Torch, I'd like to buy a booster," Spike said, speaking from behind the counter, but Mr. Torch wasn't there.
“Hmm, I think Mr. Torch isn´t here,” Thorax said.
Suddenly, from behind the counter, a girl with blue skin and dark blue hair with some white lines appeared.
“My father had to go away on a business trip, so I was left in charge for the time being,” the girl said.
"Dad? Are you Mr. Torch's daughter?" Spike asked.
"That's right, my name is Ember," the girl introduced herself.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Spike, this is Thorax," Spike introduced himself.
“Hi,” Thorax greeted her.
"I guess you want boosters from the new expansion?" Ember asked to which the two nodded.
After paying for the boosters, Thorax mentioned something to her, "Umm, hey, not that I'm nosy, but we've been coming to this store for 1 month, but we haven't seen you."
“Well, I just moved here, I used to live in another city with my mother, but I received a scholarship to get into Crystal Prep, even though I hate the type of students it has, my parents thought it would be the best for my studies ,” Ember told them.
“Wow, you're going to study at Crystal Prep, we study there,” added Spike.
"Yeah, I noticed," Ember said as she gestured at their uniforms.
"Oh," Spike said, feeling a bit silly.
"At least you guys made a better impression on me of your students and with you I'm sure I won't get bored," Ember said but then changed the subject, "So, you guys are cardfighters?"
“Sure we do, we really like the game,” Spike replied.
"You are too?" Thorax asked curiously.
"Yes, and I'm sure one day I'll be the strongest," Ember declared, then glanced at Thorax and Spike, "And I'll make sure to take down anyone who gets in my way."
Thorax and Spike gulped in fear, was that a threat?
Ember started laughing, "Hahaha, it was just a joke, heck, you should have seen your faces."
"Hehehe, yeah, it was pretty good," Spike and Thorax giggled, still scared.
"But seriously, I'll become the strongest," Ember said seriously.
“That is a great goal,” Thorax told her.
Suddenly they heard the boys playing at the table, so the 3 of them approached.
They saw that the yellow guy had 4 damage and the purple guy also had 4 damage.
“Now I attack with Flash Heart Dragon,” the boy said as he brought his Vanguard to a horizontal position.
"No," thought Microchips as he looked at his hand, he had nothing to defend himself, "No Guard."
“TWIN DRIVE, FIRST CHECK,” the boy yelled as he pulled a card from his deck, it was a normal unit.
“So close, I can still survive,” Microchips said.
“I don't think so, SECOND CHECK,” the boy shouted as he pulled a card out of his deck with all his might, he smiled and then showed it.
“CRITICAL TRIGGER.”
"Oh no," Microchips thought and then drew a card from his deck, "Damage Trigger check."
It was a normal unit, “Second check.”
Microchips picked up a card again and looked at it, then smiled, the reason being because it was another normal unit, "Looks like you won, Flash."
Flash:4 (Winner)
“That was a great duel Micro,” Flash said as the two of them bumped fists.
"Impressive," Spike said.
The 2 boys noticed that they were looking at them, Flash spoke, "Hi, did you enjoy the duel?"
"I admit you have some skill," Ember replied.
"Of course he does, he's Flash Sentry, he's the best cardfighter around," admitted Microchips.
Flash was embarrassed, "Well, I'm sure there are cardfighters stronger than me."
"Impossible I made a record of all your duels, and you have a 95% win rate, if that's not being a great player, I don't know what is," stated Microchips.
"Hehe, well, Microchips is very passionate, he's also a great player," Flash said, "By the way, forget to introduce myself, my name is Flash Sentry."
"I am Ember."
"My name is Thorax."
"Spike, nice to meet you."
Flash was left thinking, "Spike, I'm sure I've heard that name before."
"Flash, Micro, if I may ask, how did you discover Vanguard?" Thorax asked.
“Well, I started playing 6 months ago, it was Flash that motivated me to build a deck,” Microchips replied.
“I remember it very well, I was 12 years old at that time, a great player came to my school and taught us how to play, he lent us a deck to the students and we were able to learn, it was luck, but when I fought against him, I managed to do 5 damage ,” Flash said, “He told me I had potential and then he gave me Flash Heart Dragon, that's my most precious card, that's when I decided to become a cardfighter.”
“I even remember his name, it was….” but at that moment Flash was interrupted by the sound of a door being flung open.
SLAM.
Suddenly, a boy entered the store who, like Flash and Micro, seemed to be 16 years old, had dark red skin, orange hair and yellow eyes, he wore a red jacket with black pants and red boots.
Spike, Thorax and Microchips were nervous, that young man seemed intimidating.
Flash and Ember looked at him seriously, until Ember came over and spoke, "Welcome to Dragon Booster, can I help you with something?"
“Hmph, if you can't I wouldn't be surprised, this doesn't seem like a store worthy of my greatness,” the boy said with an arrogant tone.
They all looked at him with contempt.
"Anyway, I didn't come to buy anything, I want to know who is the strongest cardfighter in this store."
"Why?" Ember asked.
“Because my plan is to fight the strongest, only by defeating them will I improve as a cardfighter,” the boy replied.
Flash was a little doubtful, but if that was what that boy wanted, then he should accept the challenge, "Umm, I guess it's me."
The boy looked around in case someone said otherwise, but no, everyone except Ember nodded nervously.
“Hehe, looks like if you're the strongest, just look how weak the others look,” the boy said, pointing at Spike, Thorax, and Microchips.
Flash was annoyed by the comment, but remained calm, "Appearances are deceiving, I suggest you be careful, in any case, my name is Flash Sentry."
“My name is Garble, but don't get your hopes up, I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to crush other cardfighters,” replied the boy.
“Garble, oh no,” Microchips said.
"What happen?" Flash asked.
“This is Garble, he's a member of the Team Doom Rider,” Microchips replied as he pulled out his cell phone and showed them information on Garble.
"The Team Doom Rider, the ones who won the national?" Spike asked.
Microchips nodded scared.
"Oh no, this is bad, this is too bad," Spike said.
"I guess now that you know who I am, now you'll want to repent and run," Garble told Flash.
“I won't run away from any cardfights, I don't care if you won the nationals,” Flash said with a lot of determination as he placed his deck on the table.
Thorax walked over to Spike and whispered, "Spike, tell me more about the Team Doom Rider."
"Team Doom Rider, a very powerful team, they are cold and calculating, they won the national without losing once," Spike said as he showed Thorax a picture of the team members.
There were 5 of them, in one corner was Garble, next to Garble was a girl who was the same age as Spike, had orange skin and purple hair, then there was a 16-year-old boy with lilac skin and red hair combed back, next to him on one side was a 16 year old girl with pink purple skin and purple hair with blue streaks and in the center was what seemed to be the leader of the team, an 18 year old girl with pink skin and prickly yellow hair.
"Do you think Flash can handle him," Thorax asked.
"I'm sure he can," Spike said.
After that, everyone went to one of the tables, there Flash and Garble took out their decks, took a card and put it face down in the center of their fields.
After that they started shuffling their decks, the Flash and Garble took 5 cards.
“Hmm, I'll put a card back,” Flash said as he put a card back into the deck, shuffled it and drew another.
“I'll take this hand, it's very good,” Garble said.
At that moment the 2 turned their card and shouted.
STAND UP, VANGUARD.
Flash:0
"Doom? Garble added a Doom to the sentence, isn't that against the rules?" Thorax asked Spike.
"There's really no rule that stops you from saying whatever you want to start off with, my brother always says STAND UP THE VANGUARD," Spike replied.
"Doom?" Flash asked.
“It's my team's catchphrase, we all yell Doom before we yell Vanguard,” Garble replied.
“Oh, it's, interesting,” Flash added, it was all he could think to say.
That's how the fight started.
Garble's card was some kind of dragon hatchling engulfed in flames, it had black wings that weren't engulfed in flames, "FIRE HUNTER." (PWR5000/G0)
Flash's card was also a baby dragon, but this one had gloves made of gold, was yellow in color, and had little blue spikes on its head, "FLASH HEART DRACOKID." (PWR5000/G0)
“This is a Kagero VS Gold Paladdin battle,” Ember said.
“I'm still new to this, and I haven't seen those decks,” said Thorax.
"Well, Garble's Kagero deck, like my Narukami deck, is based on dragons, only his specialty is weakening the opponent through skills that remove his rear guards, while Flash's Gold Paladin deck is a knight-based deck, it specializes in in teamwork, your units support each other so you always have something to attack with,” Spike explained.
“I'm going first, DOOM RIDE,” Garble said, drawing a card from his deck, then placing a card on top of Fire Hunter, it was a salamander also engulfed in flames, but its most notable feature was its fangs, “HELL FIRE SALAMANDER. ” (PWR7000/G1)
"Fire Hunter's skill allows me to move him into a rear-guard circle," Garble said as he moved Fire Hunter right behind Hell Fire Salamander, "I'm done with my turn."
Flash took out a card from his deck, and thought "Hmm, I have to be careful."
“Very good,” Flash said as he discarded a card from his hand to search his deck for another.
"Wait a minute, what the hell are you doing?" Garble asked.
"My Dracokid's skill allows me to discard a card and search my deck for a Gold Paladin whose rank 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, it was like a grown version of Dracokid, only this one had bigger wings and spines, "FLASH HEART WYVERN." (PWR8000/G1)
“That's a good move, wait a minute, that card's ability, it can't be, it's amazing,” Spike said.
"What's amazing?" Thorax asked.
Microchips responded, "Flash´s deck is made to evolve, he will always be able to ride the unit he needs without it being in his hand."
“Whoa,” Thorax said.
"It's a simple skill, but a very powerful one," Ember replied.
“And now I call,” Flash said as he placed 2 copies of the same card in the front rear-guard circle, the card depicting some sort of knight in golden armor with a huge spear, “GOLDEN LANCER MAGNUS.” (PWR7000/G1)X2
"Alright, Flash!" Spike cheered.
"No holding back!" Thorax cried out.
Flash placed a Lancer card horizontally, "I now attack with Golden Lancer Magnus."
“No Guard,” Garble replied, to which he drew a card from his deck and placed it in his Damage Zone, “Mmm, no Trigger.”
Flash:0
Flash placed his Vanguard card horizontally, "I attack with Flash Heart Wyvern."
Garble was hesitant, but decided to let the damage slide, "Im not gonna guard."
Flash took out a card, seeing it he smiled, "ITS A CRITICAL TRIGGER, SPRINGER THE POWERFUL JAKHOWL."
“Grrrr, damn it,” Garble said.
"I grant the power to my Golden Lancer Magnus who hasn't attacked." (PWR 17000)
“And the Critical goes to Wyvern,” Flash said.
“This is ridiculous, Damage Trigger first check,” Garble said as he drew a card from his deck and placed it into the Damage Zone.
“Second check,” Garble said doing the same, he frowned as he saw that neither card was a Trigger.
Flash:0
"You're done?" Garble asked Flash.
“No, because I still have one attack left,” he placed his last Lancer horizontally, “I attack with Golden Lancer Magnus.”
“I don't think so, I'll take cover,” Garble said as he placed a Critical Trigger in the middle of the 2 fields, “BERSERK HATCHLING.” (SHLD 15000)
“My turn is over,” Flash said, smiling.
"Wow, this looks good for Flash," Spike said.
“Still, he can't let his guard down,” Ember said.
Garble drew a card from his deck, "My turn, Doom Ride."
Garble placed a card on top of Hell Fire Salamander, on it was a wingless anthropomorphic dragon who wore pants and had grenades on his belt, "GRENADE WINGBLAST." (PWR10000/G2)
“Wingblast's skill allows me to destroy one of your units other than the Vanguard when it appears,” Garble said, to which Flash placed one of his Golden Lancer Magnus in the Drop Zone.
“Then I do a Doom Call,” Garble placed a card on which was an anthropomorphic dragon with wings on his arms, wearing pants and holding a sniper rifle, “SNIPER WYVERN.” (PWR13000/G2)
“Thats insane, Sniper Wyvern is a grade 2, but it has 13000 of power,” Thorax said in awe.
“But the downside is that I need to pay a counter-blast for it to attack,” Garble replied.
"This looks bad," Flash Sentry thought.
Garble flipped one of the cards in his Damage Zone, then placed the Sniper Wyvern card horizontally, “I pay a counter-blast and attack your Vanguard with Sniper Wyvern.”
"No Guard," Flash decided to take the damage.
“Damage Trigger check,” Flash put a card from his deck into his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”
Flash:1
“NOW I ATTACK YOUR VANGUARD WITH GRENADE WINGBLAST SUPPORTED BY FIRE HUNTER,” Garble yelled as he brought his Vanguard horizontally. (PWR 15000)
"I'll protect myself with Springer," Flash placed the trigger card on it was some kind of bipedal animal that looked like a blue and black canine, "SPRINGER THE POWERFUL JAKHOWL." (SHLD 15000)
“Good idea Flash, even if you pull a Trigger, you won't be able to break his shield,” Microchips said.
“Drive Trigger check,” Garble said as he drew a card, then he smiled, “Hehe,”
Garble revealed the card, on it was a kind of red snake, but on the card there was a blue icon in the upper right corner, "STAND TRIGGER, MAGMA SNAKE, I GIVE ALL EFFECTS TO SNIPER WYVERN." (PWR 23000)
"Damn it," Ember said.
At that moment, Garble brought Sniper Wyvern back to an upright position.
“I pay another counter-blast so Sniper Wyvern can attack,” he flipped it back to landscape.
“TSSCH, Damage Trigger check,” Flash frowned seeing that it was just another normal unit.
Flash:2
"Take that," Garble told him.
“This is just getting started, stand and draw,” Flash replied as he stood his units upright and 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, only this time he was bigger and had armor that encompassed most of his body, "FLASH HEART DRAKE." (PWR10000/G2)
“I'll move my Lancer to the back-guard, and then call,” Flash moved them, then placed a copy of Flash Heart Drake right in front of one the Lancer in the upper left corner, “FLASH HEART DRAKE. ” (PWR10000/G2)
Garble frowned, it was hard to take on a Drake, but against 2 it would be hell.
Flash placed his Vanguard horizontally, "Now I will attack your vanguard with my Flash Heart Drake."
“I protect myself with another copy of Berserk Hatchling,” Garble said as he defended himself with a 15,000 shield.
"Drive Trigger check," Flash said as he drew a card from his deck, but sadly it was a normal drive, "Oh, no Trigger."
After that Flash placed his other Drake horizontally and the Lancer behind him, "Now I attack your Vanguard, and my unit has a power boost thanks to Lancer," (PWR 17000)
“GRRRR DAMAGE CHECK,” Garble said getting angry, then he saw that it was a normal unit so he put it in the Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”
Flash:2
"That was nothing, now I'm going to..." Garble said but was interrupted.
“Don't think my turn is over,” Flash Sentry told him.
"What? But you already attacked with everything you had,” Garble replied in surprise.
Flash smiled, "Not exactly, 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 lands."
"Wow, Flash is really good with his units," Spike said.
“More than units, they seem like extensions of it,” Ember added.
Flash placed in the last front rear-guard circle, a card that showed a knight carrying a huge shield, in addition to wearing a red cape that highlighted the gold color of his armor, "SENTRY KNIGHT." (PWR9000/G2)
“Impossible,” Garble said.
Flash placed the Sentry Knight and his Lancer horizontally, "And he gest +3000 in this turn, my Sentry Knight attacks you." (PWR 12000)
Garble helplessly put a card from his deck into the Damage Zone.
Flash:2
"Yeah, just one more damage and you win, Flash," Spike said excitedly.
“And the best part is that he hasn't even ridden his grade 3 yet,” added Microchips.
“AHHHHH, YOU ALREADY MADE ME ANGRY,” Garble yelled as he stood his units upright and drew a card from his deck.
"Hey, you should calm down, just because you're a national champion doesn't mean you can't be beaten," Flash said, "Loss is inevitable at some points, that's why I always play for fun, even when you lose."
"Fun? I'LL TEACH YOU WHAT FUN IS, DOOM RIDE," Garble said as he placed Grenade Wingblast on top of it, it was a huge dark red bipedal dragon with black wings, which had claws that looked like metal, and large fangs, but the most remarkable thing was the aura of darkness around him, “SEEKER OF DARKNESS, EMPEROR DRAGON.”(PWR 13000/G3)
“TIME TO ATTACK,” Garble yelled.
"What?" Flash thought, because Garble didn't use any skills this turn.
Garble placed his Vanguard horizontally, "I attack your Vanguard with Emperor Dragon."
Flash thought about it, but decided to take the damage, "No Guard."
“Twin Drive,” Garble said, this was because 3rd graders could check the drive twice.
“First check, nothing,” Garble said as he picked up a normal unit.
"Second check," Garble frowned, it was another normal unit, "Looks like you saved yourself, dummy."
“Damage Trigger check,” Flash said as he placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone.
Flash:3
Garble then flipped another card from his Damage Zone, and attacked with Sniper Wyvern, "Now I attack you."
“I intercept with Sentry Knight, when I use it to intercept, it gains 5000 power,” Flash said as he moved Sentry Knight to the defense zone, it turns out that grade 2s can defend even when on the field, that's called intercepting. (SHLD 10000)
"Ugh, that was close," Thorax said.
"Flash still has the advantage in this fight, his opponent is only 1 damage away from losing, but I wonder why he didn't use a skill?" Spike asked.
"Maybe he, oh no," Ember thought.
“My turn, stand and draw,” Flash said as he placed his cards vertically and drew a card from his deck.
"It's time to show my dedication to this game, my passion for Vanguard," Flash said discarding a card.
“SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY, SUPERIOR RIDE,” shouted Flash as he placed a card on top of 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)
"Whoa, that dragon looks awesome," said Spike.
"His best card," added Microchips.
Garble looked at the dragon with hate and concern.
"I hope you are ready, because Flash Heart and I will show you our power, our bond."
Author's Note
Well, what did you think of the Flash and Garble decks, wow I can't believe I did another chapter in such a short time, I think I was inspired.
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
“SHINE YOUR LIGHT OF VICTORY, SUPERIOR RIDE,” shouted Flash as he placed a card on top of 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)
"Whoa, that dragon looks awesome," said Spike.
"His best card," added Microchips.
Garble looked at the dragon with hate and concern.
"I hope you are ready, because Flash Heart and I will show you our power, our bond."
“Wow, so that's your best card,” Thorax said.
“Flash Heart Dragon skill,” said Flash (PWR 13000)
"Huh?" Garble asked.
Flash answered confidently, "Flash Heart Dragon gains 1000 more points if Dracokid, Wyvern and Drake are in the Soul and that's permanent."
“Very well, he secured his power,” Ember said.
“Now, I call another copy of Sentry Knight,” Flash said as he placed the card in the empty front rear-guard circle, “SENTRY KNIGHT.” (PWR9000/G2)
“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
"Flash's field is full," Spike said.
“He is betting everything on a final attack,” Thorax said.
But Ember was still worried.
"My Sentry Knight's power goes up to 11000 if I have Flash Heart Dragon as a Vanguard." (PWR11000)
“Do you think that will work for you?” Garble asked.
But Flash ignored him, "Flash Heart Dragon skill, I pay 2 counter-blast and all my units gain +6000 until the end of my turn, basically 1000 for each Gold Paladin unit on the field."
"WHAAAAT?" Garble asked surprised.
“And not only that, by paying that counter-blast, Flash Heart Dragon gains an extra Critical,” Flash said, smiling.
“Oh My Bugs, No Mercy,” Thorax said.
"Seriously, Flash is very strong, I think he's as strong as my brother," Spike said.
“Time to finish this up, Flash Heart Drake supported by Golden Lancer attacks your Vanguard,” Flash said as he placed the respective cards horizontally. (PWR28000)
Garble smiled, "I defend with Magma Snake, it's not enough, I intercept with Sniper Wyvern."
Garble placed his units in the guard circle. (SHLD20000)
But the Flash didn't give up and positioned his other rear-guards horizontally, "I attack your Vanguard with Sentry Guard supported by Flash Heart Wyvern." (PWR 31000)
Suddenly Garble placed a card in the guard circle, it showed a robust wingless dragon made of metal, on his arm he had a huge shield "I discard a card and defend myself with Titanium Dragon."
“TITANIUM DRAGON,” (SHLD 0)
“A perfect guard,” Thorax shouted in surprise.
“It means your attack is nullified,” Microchips added.
"But why didn't he use it for his Vanguard?" Spike wondered.
“Let's get this over with, FLASH HEART DRAGON, ATTACK,” Flash yelled as he placed his Flash Heart Dragon and Flash Heart Wyvern cards horizontally. (PWR 33000)
“If the attack hits, it will be the end for Garble,” Microchips said.
Garble with a serious face said the following, "No Guard."
Everyone was surprised, Garble only had 1 damage left and without the need for a drive check, he would take 2 damage.
Flash smiled, and drew a card from his deck, "Twin Drive, first check."
Flash smiled at what he brought up, "CRITICAL TRIGGER, SPRINGER THE POWERFUL JAKHOWL."
"3 Damage," Spike said in awe.
"Second check," Flash drew again and smiled again, "Yes, my deck is with me, it's another Springer."
He showed the card and everyone was surprised that even Thorax almost fainted.
“ANOTHER TRIGGER, 4 DAMAGE,” Thorax yelled.
"It's over," Ember said.
But Garble didn't seem worried, he smiled, which worried Flash, "Damage Trigger, first check."
Garble pulled a card from his deck and smiled, then showed the card, which showed a green Dragon carrying what seemed to be a lot of potions, but the most important thing was the green icon in the upper right corner, it was a Trigger, but no any Trigger, “POTION DRAGON, HEAL TRIGGER ACTIVATE.”
“WHAAAT? A HEAL TRIGGER,” Flash said.
“10000 power to my Emperor Dragon and I heal 1 damage,” Garble said as he placed the Trigger into the Damage Zone and removed another of the cards from there. (PWR 23000)
“He was very lucky,” Thorax said worriedly.
“His luck will run out, if he wants to win, he'll have to roll another 3 Heal Triggers in a row,” Microchips said.
“Second check,” Garble said as he drew another card, he smiled again, because he had the same copy of the previous card, “HEAL TRIGGER, I BOOST MY VANGUARD.” (PWR33000)
“ANOTHER,” Spike yelled.
"Something is wrong," Ember thought.
“Third check,” Garble again drew a card and surprise, “HEAL TRIGGER ACTIVATE.” (PWR 43000)
“YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING, 3 HEALS IN A ROW?” Flash asked.
“What can I say, I think the goddess of fortune is smiling on me,” Garble said, then took another card from his deck, “Final check.”
Everyone was waiting for Garble's last card, if it was another Heal, Garble could make a comeback.
Garble put the card into the Damage Zone and revealed it.
"No way," Spike said.
“It can't be,” Microchips said.
“Oh rubies,” Ember said.
While Thorax passed out.
But Flash didn't say anything, he kept calm and just looked at him with a serious face.
“HEAL TRIGGER ACTIVATE,” Garble said. (PWR53000)
"This is insane, he actually was able to draw 4 Heal Triggers in a row" Spike said concerned.
Unable to do anything else, Flash said the following words, "I'm done with my turn."
“Nobody beats the Great Garble, that's a fact,” Garble said as he stood and drew a card from his deck.
"Just don't let your guard down," Spike told Flash.
“No, he won't be able to defend himself,” Ember said realizing what Garble had planned.
"Huh?" Spike reacted.
"The blue girl is right, you won't be able to defend yourself," Garble said, then yelled, "EMPEROR DRAGON SKILL."
Here it comes, Flash thought.
“I can only use his skill one turn after it appears, it's time, I'll pay 5 counter-blast,” Garble said as he flipped all his cards in the Damage Zone.
“This turn I will be able to have an extra drive, which means, instead of drawing 2 cards, I will draw 3, but I will not be able to attack with units other than my Vanguard.”
"That's weird, he's taking a lot of risk, Flash could have a perfect defense in hand," Spike said.
“No, it's much worse,” Ember told him.
Flash just thought what was coming would not be pretty at all.
"But in exchange for that, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DEFEND YOURSELF WITH ANY CARDS THIS TURN."
“NOOOOO,” Spike yelled.
"YOU MADE ME ANGRY, NO ONE HAS DONE MORE THAN 3 DAMAGE TO THE GREAT GARBLE, I'M REALLY FURIOUS," Garble yelled.
Flash just frowned.
“I ATTACK WITH SEEKER OF DARKNESS, EMPEROR DRAGON,” Garble shouted, laying his Vanguard horizontally, “AND SINCE I KNOW YOU CAN'T DEFEND YOURSELF, I'LL GO STRAIGHT TO CHECK DRIVE TRIGGER.” (PWR 13000)
"Triple Drive, first check," Garble said and then pulled out a Trigger, "Critical Trigger."
“Uh oh,” Microchips said startled.
"Second check," Garble said, saw that it was a normal unit and frowned, "Nothing."
"I can still survive, as long as he doesn't pull a critical," Flash thought.
“THIRD CHECK,” Flash yelled as he pulled out the card with all his might, it was so strong that he accidentally ended up hitting Spike.
POWW.
“OUCH,” Spike yelled as he fell to the ground.
Garble didn't even bother to apologize for being focused on the card he took out, but seeing it, an evil smile formed on his face, he showed the card and...
“CRITICAL TRIGGER, ULTIMATE DRAGON ATTACK,” Garble yelled.
But Flash Sentry still wasn't giving up, if he also managed to pull out a Heal Trigger at the last moment, he could win.
“Damage Trigger, Triple check,” Flash said as he drew 3 cards.
But when he see them...
"I could have been stronger."
Even though it was a card game, Flash could feel himself getting hit 3 times by the Emperor Dragon.
"No Trigger."
Flash:6
“This is how this ends,” Ember said.
“Looks like you won,” Flash said still trying to process everything.
“Of course I beat you, I'm a national champion, whereas you shouldn't even be called a cardfighter,” Garble replied.
Flash was upset by his comments, he was going to say something, but someone else did it first.
"Hey, be more respectful, he may have lost, but he did his best," Spike (he was still on the ground) told Garble.
“A loss is a loss, brat, and all who face my deck suffer that fate,” Garble responded, pointing to his deck.
“You only won because you got lucky,” Spike said as he got up.
“It was more than luck, it's called skill, and that's something he'll never have for being a loser, the same applies to all of you, you're losers,” Garble replied.
Spike was fed up with Garble's attitude but he saw something that caught his attention, he saw that there was another Heal Trigger in his deck, then he saw the Damage Zone and sure enough the 4 Heal Triggers he took out were there.
"What the...?" Spike wondered.
“And now, this belongs to me,” Garble said taking Flash Heart Dragon.
"WHAT?" Flash said, "Hey, neither agreed to bet cards."
“Well, too bad for you, I like this card, and you lost, so now it's mine,” Garble replied.
"You're a..." Flash said but then Spike quickly grabbed Garble´s deck that he had left on the table when he took Flash Heart Dragon.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" Garble asked as he tried to take his deck from Spike but was stopped by Ember.
Spike started to check Garble's deck and saw something that caught his attention, "I knew it."
“Uh-oh,” Garble thought.
"Look at this," he showed Garble's cards to the others, "He's a cheater, half of his cards are Triggers."
The others saw the deck and it was true, they said it had about 12 criticals, 8 stands and 10 heals.
"So, you cheated," Flash told Garble.
“Hey, I don't think that's cheating,” Garble replied with a bored look.
"GRRR OF COURSE," Ember replied angrily, "The rules only allow you to have 16 Triggers, and you can only have 4 Heal Triggers."
“With a lot of triggers, he was able to secure an easier win,” added Microchips.
But Spike was taking it more personally, his brother taught him that Vanguard duels were fun, but the most important thing was to respect and learn from your opponent, create bonds, and always aspire to be better, that means being a cardfighter, but Garble it was the opposite of what Shining Armor taught him.
“I thought you were a national champion, and as far as I know, winners don't cheat,” Flash said.
“This isn't a tournament, so I can do whatever I want,” Garble replied.
"Even so, that wasn't a fair match, where is your honor?" asked Flash.
“Hehe, Honor?” Garble said, "Honor my ass, the only thing of Vanguard i want is the victory."
“Now, if you'll excuse me, the Great Garble has other business,” Garble said as he left the shop with the Flash Heart Dragon card.
Flash was going to say something but again Spike did it first.
“Great Garble? You are not the Great Garble, you are the Pathetic Garble, not only that, you are just a coward who has to depend on his traps to play this game, you say you are strong but you are a weakling, and you know it is true, you should not be called Cardfighter, you're just a big asshole who doesn't know how to play,” Spike said surprising everyone in the store.
Hearing that Garble started to turn red with anger, even redder than he was already, he approached Spike and practically yelled in his face, "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU CALL ME?"
Startled, Spike answered as best he could, "Umm, wimp?"
"BRAT, IF YOU THINK YOU'LL GET OUT UNHURT AFTER DISRESPECTING ME, THEN YOU'RE AN IDIOT."
Spike at one point armed himself with all the courage he could and replied, "You're the one who disrespected Flash by stealing his most precious card, you don't know what it means to him, I can clearly see who the great idiot is."
Garble was about to punch Spike, but suddenly he saw a card coming out of his pocket, he took it, "What is this?"
“Hey, give it back to me,” Spike ordered.
Garble looked closely at the card and couldn't believe his eyes, "It can't be, it's a Crystal Scale with original artwork, I've always wanted one."
The others looked at him with contempt knowing what he was up to.
"And I've finally found one," a wicked grin spread across Garble's face, "Yeah, I think I'm keeping this too."
"There's a limit to how low you can go," Ember said.
"Keep Spike out of this," Flash said.
Garble, fed up with the comments, approached Spike, "Okay, enough, we'll make a deal."
"A deal?" Spike asked.
"We'll have a Vanguard duel, you and me, of course I won't cheat this time, I'll rebuild my deck, if you win I'll give you Flash Heart Dragon back."
"And if I lose?" Spike asked.
“I'll keep your Crystal Scale and his Flash Heart Dragon, but it won't be just that, since the two of them made me angry I'll put another condition,” Garble said.
Spike looked at him carefully still scared.
"If I beat you, in addition to keeping the cards," Garble paused and continued, "I'm going to break your arms."
"WHAAAT?" Spike yelled in fright.
“That will be the price for offending the Great Garble,” Garble said.
Spike started to think about it, but was interrupted, "Umm, I'm not sure if I should accept a duel like that, maybe if we come to an agreement…."
"Of course he agrees, you think he'll let you break his arms, he'll beat you," Ember said.
“Ember,” Spike yelled.
"Don't worry Spike, I know you can beat him," Ember said.
"And if I lose?"
"Umm, you have health insurance right?" Ember asked.
Spike gulped as he sat down at the table.
"You can beat him Spike, I believe in you," Flash told him.
Garble began rearranging his deck as Spike shuffled his.
Spike was nervous, how he could beat a national champion?, and then he thought that if he lost the fight, not only would his arms be broken, but Flash would lose his Flash Heart Dragon.
"I don't know if I can do it," Spike thought.
“IMAGINE IT.”
Spike began to remember Shining's words, "Imagine you're as strong as the warrior on that card."
Spike could only think about what Shining had taught him, he realized that it was his duty to teach Garble a lesson, it was his duty to protect Vanguard from cheaters like him, but above all, it was necessary, to be as strong as Crystal Scale.
"I'm ready."
"Wow, where did that confidence come from?" Garble asked.
But Spike ignored him.
At that moment the 2 placed a card face down in the Vanguard circle and shouted.
STAND UP, DOOM VANGUARD.
But this time Spike added something to his sentence, in honor of his brother.
STAND UP, THE VANGUARD.
“Hehe I thought you'd run away at this point,” Garble told him.
"No, I won't run from someone like you, I won't run from a coward," Spike replied making Garble angry.
Then, the battle began.
Author's Note
Well, some already guessed it, Flash lost, but that was because Garble cheated, at least he won't cheat in the duel against Spike.
Now it's all up to Spike.
Spike and Garble's battle had begun, Spike had no choice, he had to win yes or yes, otherwise Garble would keep Flash Sentry's Flash Heart Dragon and then steal Spike's precious card, Crystal Scale, plus to break Spike's arms.
Without a doubt, this would be a day that no one would forget.
STAND UP, DOOM VANGUARD.
spike:0
Garble said as he flipped his card over in the Vanguard circle, "Time to terrify, FIRE HUNTER." (PWR5000/G0)
Spike replied, then proceeded to do the same, "I'll teach you a lesson for dishonoring this game, HARMONY EGG." (PWR4000/G0)
"Hmm, Narukami," Ember said as she looked at Spike's deck.
“A very interesting deck,” added Microchips.
"Hehehe, Narukami, are you serious?" Garble laughed.
"What's wrong with the Narukami clan?" Spike asked.
"They, like my Kagero, belong to the same nation, the Dragon Empire," Garble answered, "But in the game's story, it is made clear that they are much weaker than the Kagero, meaning that no matter how hard they try they will always be losers, losers like you.”
Everyone was looking at Garble with even more contempt than before, but at that moment Spike answered.
"You say I'm a loser, but can you imagine how you would feel if you were defeated by someone you called that?"
Garble glared at him.
"That's right, the Kagero clan may be stronger than the Narukami clan, but when a weakling like me pushes himself, I'm sure he can overcome the power of someone bigger and stronger," Spike finished.
“GRRR, LISTENING TO YOU IT MAKES ME SICK,” Garble yelled as he pulled a card from his deck, “I WILL SHOW YOU THE GREAT BARRIER YOU CANNOT CROSS NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TRY, STUPID.”
“I'm going first, DOOM RIDE,” Garble said, placing a card on top of Fire Hunter, “HELL FIRE SALAMANDER.” (PWR7000/G1)
"Fire Hunter's skill allows me to move him into a rear-guard circle," Garble said as he moved Fire Hunter right behind Hell Fire Salamander, "I'm done with my turn."
Spike took out a card from his deck, and thought "He is using the same tactics he use against Flash."
"But you don't scare me, I Ride," Spike placed a card on top of the Harmony Egg, "CRYSTAL HATCHLING." (PWR8000/G1)
Spike drew another card from his deck, "When a Narukami is put on top of Harmony Egg, I get to draw a card."
Garble frowned, it was a bad sign that his opponent increased the number of cards in his hand.
“And now, Call,” Spike placed 2 copies of the same card in the front rear-guard circles, “COMBAT WYVERN.” (PWR8000/G1)X2
"Alright Spike, 3 attacks without holding back," Ember said.
"There's actually a problem with their strategy," Microchips said.
“Yes, it would have been better to place one of his Wyverns in the backrow, so he could give his vanguard more power,” Flash said.
“That's right, Garble will probably manage to pull off a Trigger and avoid Spike's 3 attacks,” Ember said.
At that moment, Spike placed a Wyvern horizontally, "First I attack your Vanguard with my Combat Wyvern."
“No Guard,” Garble said as he took a card from his deck and put it into his Damage Zone, “Tskk, No Trigger.”
spike:0
“Next, i attack with Crystal Hatchling,” Spike said as he put his card horizontally.
“I don't defend against that attack either,” Garble said.
"Alright then, Drive Trigger check," Spike said as he pulled a card from his deck, disappointed to find it a normal drive, "No Trigger."
“Damage Trigger check,” Garble said as he placed another card into his Damage Zone, but he smirked when he saw what it was, “Well, Well, look at this, its Berserk Hatchling, a Critical Trigger, power boost to my Vanguard.” (PWR17000)
Spike frowned, no longer able to attack with his other Wyvern, "It's your turn."
spike:0
“Oh man, if only that Trigger had come out later,” Flash Sentry said.
"You think that placing 3 weak units could take me down, nobody takes down the Great Garble, Doom Ride" Garble said as he drew a card from his deck and placed another on Hell Fire Salamander, "GRENADE WINGBLAST." (PWR10000/G2)
"Oh no," Spike said knowing what it meant for that thing to be present.
“Oh yes,” Garble replied, “When Wingblast shows up, I take out one of your units other except the Vanguard.”
Spike had to drop one of his Wyverns to the Drop Zone.
“Hehe and not only that, Doom Call again,” Garble said as he laid down another copy of the same card, “GRENADE WINGBLAST.” (PWR10000/G2)
"Seriously," Spike said.
"Remember his skill," Garble said to which Spike placed his other Wyvern in the Drop Zone, "And now you have no more units in your field, wallow in despair."
"Oh no, Spike lost his frontrow units," Microchips said.
"That doesn't mean he's defeated, he can get over that hurdle," Flash said.
“I will now attack your Vanguard with mine,” Garble said as he placed Grenade Wingblast horizontally.
"I'm not gonna guard," Spike said.
“Drive Trigger check,” Garble pulled a card from his deck, a wicked grin suddenly forming on his face, “BERSERK HATCHLING, A CRITICAL TRIGGER, MY OTHER UNIT GETS THE BOOST, AND MY VANGUARD GETS THE CRITICAL.”
"WHAT?" Spike yelled, "Ughh, Damage Trigger check."
Spike didn't get any triggers on his 2 checks, which made him nervous.
spike:2
“NOW I ATTACK WITH MY OTHER WINGBLAST,” Garble yelled. (PWR20000)
Spike had no choice, he had to accept the attack.
"No Guard, Damage Trigger check," Spike said as he placed another card in his Damage Zone, he smiled because the card showed a Dragon with a hat and a fancy suit, but more importantly, there was a red icon in the upper right corner of the card, "GAMBLER DRAKE, DRAW TRIGGER."
Spike drew a card from his deck and added it to his hand.
spike:3
“At least he has an extra card, he can still turn the tables on the duel,” Ember said.
"I think this is the place," said Twilight who was accompanied by her friends, who entered the store.
"Spike, it's time to go home," she called out to Spike but received no answer.
“There he is,” Moondancer pointed to the table where Spike was sitting.
"Spike…" Twilight said moving closer, but she couldn't finish her sentence because she slipped and fell to the ground.
"Oh, are you okay?" asked Flash Sentry helping her up.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Twilight replied as she took Flash's hand to get up, but when she saw him she blushed, "Ummm, hello."
Flash, seeing her up close, blushed too, and nervously spoke, "Hello, are you Spike's sister?"
"Yes, yes I am, are you another one of his friends?" Twi asked him.
"Yes, although I just met him today, he's a good guy, more so right now, by the way, I'm Flash, Flash Sentry."
“I'm Twilight, Twilight Sparkle,” she introduced herself and hearing that name made something click in Flash's mind.
"Wait, Twilight, Spike, that can't be," Flash said, "You guys are Shining Armor's younger siblings."
When Spike was going to ride, he stopped hearing Flash, Twi was also surprised.
"Do you know Shining Armor?" Spike and Twilight asked at the same time.
“He was the one who gave me Flash Heart Dragon, and he also told me about his 2 siblings, he told me that they were very interesting in their own way and that he is proud of you 2.”
That revelation made Twilight feel great, and motivated Spike to keep fighting.
"So that's Shining, he can always bring out the strongest in anyone, from someone like Flash to a loser like me," Spike said.
"Spike, you're not a loser," Twilight told him.
“Rather I won't be a loser anymore, I won't let Shining's efforts go to waste, I won't let you take the victory Garble,” Spike said.
"I'm already confused, what is going on here?" Minuette asked.
"I'll sum it up for you," Ember said, "Garble is evil and Spike is fighting for the honor of everyone in this store."
That explanation surprised Twilight and her friends.
"Spike is doing this for his friends," Twinkleshine said.
"Wow, he's a hero," Lyra said.
“I'm sure he'll win,” Lemonhearts said.
"Well, thanks for making me look more heroic," Spike laughed nervously.
"Hey, I don't have all day, are you going to do something?" Garble asked.
"Oh right, FOR SHINING, WHO GAVE ME THE STRENGTH, GET UP MY AVATAR, RIDE," Spike placed the card Shining gave him in his Vanguard, "CRYSTAL SCALE." (PWR10000/G2)
“It's Crystal Scale,” Ember said excitedly.
"Very good Spike," Flash said.
“That's the card Shining gave him, it's helped her a lot in and out of this game,” Twilight explained to her friends.
"Crystal Scale skill, I can superior call your partner from my deck," Spike reached into his deck and placed a card right behind Crystal Scale, "CRYSTAL HATCHLING." (PWR8000/G1)
Garble was annoyed, Spike was increasing his power without losing cards from his hand.
“Very well done, Spike, and as far as I know, your creatures don't have summoning sickness,” Twilight said.
All the cardfighters stared at her until Spike spoke up, "Twi, again, that's from another card game."
“Oh, come on,” Twilight replied, then sat up to watch.
“I think you need to investigate further,” Moondancer told her.
"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)
Garble was looking at him carefully.
"Now supported by Crystal Hatchling, Crystal Scale attacks your Vanguard." (PWR18000)
“Ughh, I don't guard,” Garble said with a bored expression.
“Drive Trigger check,” Spike pulled out a card and smiled and showed it, on the card there was some kind of reddish orange baby Phoenix, but more importantly there was a green icon in the upper right corner, “HEAL TRIGGER, PEEWEE THE PHOENIX HEALER.”
“Damn it,” Garble said.
“Phoenix tears can heal and that's what I'll do, I'll heal myself and give the power to Knight of the Purple Dragon,” Spike said. (PWR 19000)
spike:2
“Damage Trigger check,” Garble said as he placed a card into the Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”
spike:2
"Now I attack with Knight of the Purple Dragon," Spike said, laying the card out horizontally.
“Guard,” Garble said as he set up a Critical as a shield. (SHLD 15000)
"I'm done with my turn," Spike said.
“My turn, stand and draw,” Garble stood his units vertically and drew a card, then yelled, “AND NOW YOU'RE GOING TO REALLY SUFFER.”
Spike gulped hard.
“DOOM RIDE,” Garble placed his best unit on his Vanguard, “SEEKER OF DARKNESS, EMPEROR DRAGON.” (PWR13000/G3)
Flash, Ember, and Microchips got worried when they saw Garble's powerful card.
Even Twilight and her friends who didn't fully understand the rules felt intimidated, even though it was a piece of cardboard.
"Now, Doom Call," Garble moved his Wingblast to the backrow and placed 2 copies of the same card on the frontrow, showing an anthropomorphic red dragon with a gatling gun, "GATLING DRAKE." (PWR13000/G3)X2
“I use my Gatling Drake skill, I discard 2 cards so my front rear-guards gain 15000 power, and since I have 2, I use the skill 2 times,” Garble said as he discarded 4 cards. (PWR43000)X2
“He discard almost all of his cards,” Microchips said.
"But it gave him great power," Flash said.
"And that power is directed at Spike," Twilight said startled.
“Now, I attack with one of my Gatling Drakes to your Vanguard,” Garble said as he placed his unit horizontally.
“Checking Damage Trigger,” Spike said, placing a normal unit in his Damage Zone, “No Trigger.”
spike:3
“Now, supported by Fire Hunter, my Emperor Dragon attacks your Vanguard,” Garble placed his Vanguard horizontally. (PWR 18000)
“No Guard,” Spike said hoping Garble didn't pull 2 Criticals.
"What does he do, why doesn't he defend himself?" Ember asked.
“I guess he can't spend the resources in his hand, Spike is betting it all on this fight,” Flash Sentry replied.
“Twin Drive, first check,” Garble smiled as he pulled out the card, “CRITICAL TRIGGER, 10000 POWER TO MY OTHER GATLING DRAKE AND THE CRITICAL TO MY VANGUARD.”
No, Spike thought scared.
"NOW, MY SECOND CHECK," Garble yelled as he pulled out the card, "Looks like you survived."
It was a normal unit.
Suddenly Spike imagined himself on the planet Cray, he was Crystal Scale, while Garble was Seeker of Darkness, Emperor Dragon, there with the critical, he launched a huge beam from his mouth which hit Crystal Scale.
"AHHHHHHHH," Spike yelled and fell out of his chair.
"Spike, what happened?" Twilight asked him.
"I really can imagine, he imagined the blow to his Vanguard," Flash Sentry replied.
"Ugh," Spike said as he returned to the chair and placed 2 cards in the Damage Zone, "Damage Trigger first check."
Spike placed a normal unit in his Damage Zone.
“Second check,” Spike saw that it was a Trigger, “DRAW TRIGGER, I DRAW A CARD AND I BOOST MY VANGUARD.” (PWR 20000)
spike:5
"That won't work for you, because now my other Gatling Drake will attack you and his power is unimaginable." (PWR 53000)
“53000 power,” Microchips was surprised.
"THIS…. ENDS…. NOW.” Garble yelled as he attacked with his last unit.
“SPIKE,” Twilight and her friends yelled, none of them daring to look.
And as Garble imagined his Dragon burning Spike's Vanguard, something happened that he didn't expect.
“CRYSTAL HEART DRACOKID,” Spike yelled as he discarded a card and placed it on the Shield Zone. (SHLD 0)
“A perfect guard?” Garble said.
"No...I'm not done yet...Garble," Spike said, still processing everything.
“Hehe, I'm done with my turn, brat, you won't be able to defeat me on your next turn, and when it's my turn again, you'll be history and your Crystal Scale will be mine,” Garble told him.
Spike was in a critical situation, if he couldn't defeat Garble this turn, it was almost certain that he would defeat him on his next turn with his Emperor Dragon's attack.
"I HAVE TO DO IT, IF I DON'T," Spike thought and then looked at Garble, who had an evil smile, "NO I WON'T MAKE IT, I'LL LET FLASH DOWN."
But then he remembered something.
"Spike, you are stronger than you think, you are not afraid to be who you are, that is what makes you stand out from other children, you really are like Crystal Scale."
Shining's words echoed in his head, this made him smile.
"Hey, why are you smiling?" Garble asked, "If you give up now, I promise I'll just break one of your arms instead of two, hehe."
But Spike only replied, "FINAL TURN."
“Final Turn?” Twilight asked Flash.
Flash replied, "That's what you shout when you're sure you'll win the battle this turn."
"Oh, so you got arrogant, it won't work, it will only make your defeat more satisfying, I'll be the one laughing when I see your hopes shattered by my power," Garble said.
“Stand and draw,” Spike placed his units vertically, and drew a card, and what he drew made him smile.
“CALL,” Spike yelled, causing Flash, Ember, and Microchips to worry.
“Call? He's not going to ride,” Ember said.
“Which means it doesn't have a grade 3, this really looks bad,” added Microchips.
But Flash thought about it, and saw that Spike had a plan.
“CRYSTAL SCALE.” (PWR10000/G2)
“Another copy of Crystal Scale,” Garble said, surprised to see Spike place another copy of Scale but with different artwork on his last front rear-guard.
"Crystal Scale Skill, Superior Call," Spike reached into his deck and placed another unit behind Crystal Scale, "CRYSTAL HATCHLING." (PWR8000/G1)
Garble looked frustrated and then saw his hand, he only had 4 cards, 3 to defend while the other was a grade 3.
"Now, Call," Spike placed a card in the last circle showing a purple and green dog wearing a collar which had a heart marked on it, "BRAVE AND GLORIOUS HOUND." (PWR7000/G1)
“Dawww, that puppy looks cute too,” Twinkleshine said.
Spike rolled his eyes at that.
“Wait a minute,” Garble said.
"I see you already noticed," Spike said very confidently.
“His whole field is full,” Flash said, smiling.
"And what does that mean?" Twilight asked.
“Crystal Scale gains an extra critical if all the circles on your side are occupied by a Narukami unit,” Ember replied.
“And he's got 2, Spike is likely to beat Garble this turn,” Microchips said excitedly.
“GRRR, COMPARED WITH MY POWER, YOU ARE JUST TRASH,” Garble yelled.
“I attack with Crystal Scale supported by Crystal Hatchling,” Spike said as he laid out the 2 cards horizontally. (PWR18000)
“Guard,” Garble defended with 2 units of 5000. (SHLD 10000)
“I WILL NOT GIVE UP, AND I WILL NOT LET PEOPLE LIKE YOU CORRUPT THIS GAME, I ATTACK WITH CRYSTAL SCALE SUPPORTED BY CRYSTAL HATCHLING.” (PWR 18000)
“I have to defend myself, as long as I don't get a critical, I can beat him, GUARD,” Garble set up a unit to defend himself. (SHLD 15000)
Spike thought, "MY UNITS, I BELIEVE IN YOU, WE HAVE HAD GREAT BATTLES IN THE PAST, THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING YOU, HELP ME ONE MORE TIME."
“DRIVE TRIGGER CHECK,” Spike yelled.
Everyone was nervous, Spike had to get something good to defeat Garble.
"GYAHHHHHH," Spike yelled as he pulled out the card.
He saw the card and witnessing her, he smiled.
“YEAH, ITS A CRITICAL TRIGGER, ANGRY SEA DRAGON.”
“NOOOOOO,” Garble yelled.
"WE MAY BE WEAKER THAN YOU, BUT WHEN WE COME TOGETHER, WE ARE AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, ATTACK."
“Grrr, Drive Trigger, TRIPLE CHECK,” Garble yelled as he drew 3 cards.
Garble was waiting to get a Heal Trigger to save himself from that situation, but...
None of them was a Trigger.
Spike:5 (Winner)
"YOU DID IT, SPIKE, YOU WON," Flash Sentry yelled excitedly.
“HE DID IT, HE BEAT IT,” Ember yelled.
"Even with all the odds against him, Spike managed to come out on top," Microchips thought.
“SPIKE,” Twilight yelled, smiling at her little brother's victory as she hugged him.
Spike, who was still processing what happened, was also surprised, "I won? I WON."
“This is impossible, the Great Garble, he lost to a brat,” Garble said in shock.
Ember told Garble, "Maybe you only see one brat, but everyone else here sees something different," she pointed to all of his friends who were surrounding him, "We see a Cardfighter with a great heart and a powerful spirit."
Garble just glared at them.
"That's our Spikey," Minuette said hugging Spike then all of Twilight's friends did the same.
"Umm, girls, I can't breathe," Spike gasped until Ember came to his rescue.
“Alright girls, he's had enough for today,” Ember said as she helped him out of there.
Flash walked over to Spike and spoke, "I'm sure Shining would be proud of you."
Spike smiled at that.
"And it looks like someone owes you a card, doesn't it, Garble?" Ember said pointing to Garble.
“GRRR, YOU THINK I'M GIVING IT BACK, ALL YOU WILL GET IS YOUR BROKEN BONES,” Garble yelled as he climbed onto the table and proceeded to attack Spike.
“AHHH,” Spike yelled as he covered himself to reduce the impact of the punch, but the punch never landed.
Spike opened his eyes and saw Flash stopping Garble's hand.
“Grghhh, what are you doing, stay out of this,” Garble said as he tried to free himself.
“Attacking the winner, that's how the Great Garble reacts to defeat, wow, that's good for your image,” Flash said.
“Anyway, no one saw me, I'm still a hero to the clumsy Cardfighters who idolize me,” Garble said.
“I don't think so,” Flash answered.
"What?" Garble asked.
“Look at this,” Microchips spoke up and showed him a camera he had hidden in his coat, “I always have the need to record every fight I watch, so I didn't just record the cheating you did on Flash, I also have your tantrum on video.”
“GIVE ME THAT,” Garble yelled wanting to attack Microchips but at that moment…
CRACK.
“AHHHHH,” Garble yelled in pain, Flash had broken 2 of his fingers.
"Damm it," Garble told Flash as he held up his broken fingers.
Spike walked over to Garble while he wasn't looking and took the Flash Heart Dragon card from him, "As we agreed, I'll take this back to his original owner."
Garble glared at him while still holding his fingers, but felt terror when he looked at Ember.
Ember spoke to him, "Get out of here and never come back."
Garble ran as fast as he could, leaving his deck behind.
“Wow, you sure did scare him into running away without his cards,” Microchips said.
“He doesn't deserve them anymore anyway,” Ember said as she took the cards.
“Here, this belongs to you, Flash,” Spike said as he handed Flash Heart Dragon back to him.
"Thanks Spike," Flash said taking the card.
"Wait," Twilight said, "What was that guy doing with your card?"
"He cheated me in a cardfight," Flash explained, "And when he won he took them.”
"Wait, so my little brother was playing to get them back?" Twilight asked surprised.
"And he put his own cards and his bones on the line." Flashsaid.
"Bones?"
"Garble threatened to break Spike's arms if he lost the battle," Ember added.
"What a jerk, that is really disgusting, that Garble doesn't deserve to play this anymore," Twilight said angrily.
"Don't worry Twilight, we'll take care of it," Flash said to which Microchips nodded.
“Ugh, what happened here?” asked Thorax who had woken up after passing out.
"Umm, we'll explain it to you later Thorax, but for today I'd rather go home, that battle wore me out," Spike replied.
"Yeah, you're right Spike, it's getting late, we should go," Twilight said, "It was nice meeting you Flash."
"The pleasure is all mine, Twilight," Flash replied as he kissed Twilight's hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Twilight smiled and blushed before walking away.
But before he left, Flash said something to Spike, "Spike, at my school, I'm in a Vanguard club, I hope we can have some friendly competition someday."
Spike smiled with determination, "I'll make sure that happen Flash."
Afterwards, everyone proceeded to leave the place.
Back in Minuette's car, Spike had fallen asleep leaning on Twilight´s shoulder.
“He looks so cute when he sleeps,” said Minuette.
Twi giggled, "I wonder what he's dreaming about."
Spike dreamed that he was on the planet Cray, in front of him were all the units of his deck, he looked at them smiling and suddenly, the Brave and Glorious Hound jumped towards him and began to lick him.
"Hey stop, that tickles," Spike said smiling with a laugh.
“Woof,” the Hound barked, then retreated as Crystal Scale himself arrived.
“My Vanguard, I am very honored by your victory,” Crystal Scale said as he knelt in front of Spike.
"Don't kneel," Spike said making Crystal Scale stand up, "This isn't just my victory, it's our victory, all of you helped in this battle it's not fair that I take the credit."
All of his units smiled as Spike approached Crystal Scale.
“Today was a formidable challenge, I thank you for your support, and I am sure that if we continue like this, we will be able to handle anything in the future, as long as I have you by my side, nothing can bring us down.”
Crystal Scale was moved and hugged Spike, who hugged him back.
Spike as he slept formed a smile on his face, what challenges would await him in the future, he didn't know, but one thing was certain, that the Narukami clan would always be there to help him.
Twilight saw the smile Spike put on while he slept, she got closer to him and without knowing it, she also fell asleep.
When they arrived at the Sparkle family house, the girls saw that Twi did not get out of the car and witnessed the beautiful scene of the 2 siblings sleeping together.
The girls and Thorax smiled at the sight of them.
Author's Note
Well, this was the duel, the next episode is the end, but it will not be the end of this fic, there will be many sequels so stay tuned, but for now I will focus on my other fics.
The Adventure is just beginning
It had been 3 days since that Cardfight in Dragon Booster.
The Sparkle family was quietly eating dinner until Velvet broke the silence by speaking to her children, "And how was your day."
"Well, nothing interesting, since I always did my homework in my spare time," Twilight replied.
"Nothing happened, it was just a normal day," Spike replied, drawing Twilight Sparkle's attention.
"Spike, haven't you considered joining a school club?" Twilight asked her, "That way you wouldn't always be bored, you'd have something to do."
"I'll consider it Twi, but at the moment there isn't a school club that catches my eye," Spike replied.
The conversation continued normal until all the members of the family turned to watch TV because they heard something that caught their attention.
It was the news channel that was broadcasting, precisely, the sports section, there were the reporters, Dazzle Feather and Skye Silver.
“And now for the new section, Cardfight Vanguard,” said Dazzle.
“Card…fight Vanguard???” Skye asked.
“Yes, it's a card game that's become very popular lately,” Dazzle replied.
"And why is it in the sports section?"
"That's because now Canterlot has started to be chosen as the site for the National Vanguard Championship."
Hearing that, Twilight looked at Spike with a smile and he couldn't be more excited.
"Spike, isn't that the card game you and Thorax play?" Velvet asked to which Spike nodded.
Back to the news.
Dazzle started to explain about the national championship which Skye was already getting the hang of.
“Wow, it's amazing how far these kinds of games can go,” Skye said in surprise.
"And not only that, but we also managed to find a prodigy in Canterlot," Dazzle said as she showed a photo of 5 members, Spike recognized them, the Doom Rider team.
"Garble," Twi and Spike said at the same time.
"This is Team Doom Rider, who are the current national champions, precisely, one of their members was seen at a local store."
"You mean one of those card shops?"
Dazzle nodded, "In any case, there are some players, they sent us this recording where one of their members lost his temper."
They gave Play to the video and there was the scene where Garble took Flash's card.
“And now, this belongs to me,” Garble said taking Flash Heart Dragon.
"WHAT?" Flash said, "Hey, neither agreed to bet cards."
“Well, too bad for you, I like this card, and you lost, so now it's mine,” Garble replied.
"You're a..." Flash said but then Spike quickly grabbed Garble´s deck that he had left on the table when he took Flash Heart Dragon.
"Spike, it's you, you're on TV," said Night Light excitedly.
"Hehe," Spike laughed nervously.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" Garble asked as he tried to take his deck from Spike but was stopped by Ember.
Spike started to check Garble's deck and saw something that caught his attention, "I knew it."
“Uh-oh,” Garble thought.
"Look at this," he showed Garble's cards to the others, "He's a cheater, half of his cards are Triggers."
The others saw the deck and it was true, they said it had about 12 criticals, 8 stands and 10 heals.
"So, you cheated," Flash told Garble.
“Hey, I don't think that's cheating,” Garble replied with a bored look.
"GRRR OF COURSE," Ember replied angrily, "The rules only allow you to have 16 Triggers, and you can only have 4 Heal Triggers."
“With a lot of triggers, he was able to secure an easier win,” added Microchips.
"So he cheated?" Skye asked to which Dazzle nodded.
“I thought you were a national champion, and as far as I know, winners don't cheat,” Flash said.
“This isn't a tournament, so I can do whatever I want,” Garble replied.
"Even so, that wasn't a fair match, where is your honor?" asked Flash.
“Hehe, Honor?” Garble said, "Honor my ass, the only thing of Vanguard i want is the victory."
“Now, if you'll excuse me, the Great Garble has other business,” Garble said as he left the shop with the Flash Heart Dragon card.
"That boy is very cruel," Velvet said annoyed by Garble's attitude.
“Great Garble? You are not the Great Garble, you are the Pathetic Garble, not only that, you are just a coward who has to depend on his traps to play this game, you say you are strong but you are a weakling, and you know it is true, you should not be called Cardfighter, you're just a big asshole who doesn't know how to play,” Spike said.
Garble started to turn red with anger, "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU CALL ME?"
"Wow, that boy really speaks with his heart, who is he?" Skye asked.
"According to what my informant told me, that boy's name is Spike, who is also a great Cardfighter," Dazzle replied.
The entire Sparkle family was shocked to hear that and then they continued with the video.
"We'll have a Vanguard duel, you and me, of course I won't cheat this time, I'll rebuild my deck, if you win I'll give you Flash Heart Dragon back."
"And if I lose?" Spike asked.
“I'll keep your Crystal Scale and his Flash Heart Dragon, but it won't be just that, since the two of them made me angry I'll put another condition,” Garble said.
Spike looked at him carefully still scared.
"If I beat you, in addition to keeping the cards," Garble paused and continued, "I'm going to break your arms."
"WHAAAT?" Spike yelled in fright.
Hearing the threat, Velvet approached Spike and hugged him as if she were some animal protecting her cub, "Spike, I'm sorry you must have been very scared, did he hurt you?"
Spike shook his head, "Don´t worry mom, im fine."
“He should be in a prision or somewhere,” Night Light said furiously at Garble.
“It seems that boy agreed to fight him, just to retrieve his friend's card,” Skye said.
“And risking broken bones,” added Dazzle and then continued the video where they played a short version of the fight.
"GET UP, MY AVATAR, RIDE," Spike set his Vanguard, "CRYSTAL SCALE." (PWR10000/G2)
"Very good Spike, that's your best card," Twilight said.
"Twi, were you there too?" Velvet asked
"Yeah, but it came after Garble forced Spike to have the Cardfight," Twilight replied, ashamed of herself for not being able to take care of Spike.
"Twi, don't worry, it's not your fault, it's mine, I was the one who was reckless in challenging him, and I'm really sorry I worried you," Spike told her.
"Oh Spike," Twi said as she hugged Spike.
Night Light and Velvet smiled seeing such a cute scene.
“I don't know the rules, but that Spike kid sure knows how to play,” Skye said as they replayed the video.
“ATTACK CRYSTAL SCALE,” Spike yelled.
“I GUARD,” Garble yelled as he set up a card for defense.
“I WILL NOT GIVE UP, AND I WILL NOT LET PEOPLE LIKE YOU CORRUPT THIS GAME, DRIVE TRIGGER CHECK,” Spike yelled as he pulled a card from his deck.
Spike smiled, "CRITICAL TRIGGER."
“NOOOOOOOOOO,” Garble yelled.
Spike:5 (Winner)
Then the video cut off and moved on to another part.
"Somebody owes Spike a card, that's what they agreed on," Ember said.
“GRRR, YOU THINK I'M GIVING IT BACK, ALL YOU WILL GET IS YOUR BROKEN BONES,” Garble yelled as he climbed onto the table and proceeded to attack Spike.
“AHHH,” Spike yelled as he covered himself to reduce the impact of the punch, but the punch never landed.
Spike opened his eyes and saw Flash stopping Garble's hand.
“Attacking the winner, that's how the Great Garble reacts to defeat, wow, that's good for your image,” Flash said.
“Anyway, no one saw me, I'm still a hero to the clumsy Cardfighters who idolize me,” Garble said.
“I don't think so,” Flash answered.
"What?" Garble asked.
The video ended at that moment.
“Wow, I guess that's not good for his career,” Skyes said.
“You are correct Skyes, but at least there are Cardfighters like that Spike boy,” Dazzle answered, “Which I am sure will keep the harmony in this game.”
"What is certain, is that Team Doom Rider found a threat and it is that little boy with green hair, this was the sports section, in a very interesting and rare episode, tune in tomorrow at the same time."
"Little boy? I'm 14 years old,” Spike pouted.
Velvet giggled and hugged Spike, “But for me you will always be my baby."
"Mom," Spike said embarrassed, but couldn't help but smile.
"Spike, you realize what this means," Night Light said excitedly.
"That I need to pass puberty?" Spike tried to guess.
Night Light laughed, "You always thought you were weak for a long time, but you defeated a national champion, i think that's the opposite of weakness."
Spike smiled.
“And you risked your own safety for a boy you didn't even know, who is very handsome by the way,” said Twi without thinking, to which she blushed.
“Yes, you fought not for yourself, but for the sake of your friends, which is why we are so proud of you,” Velvet said.
“And I'm sure Shining is too,” added Night Light.
Spike for the first time in his life, he felt special, he felt powerful, "Thank you Shining."
Meanwhile in an unknown place.
Garble was in a room in front of him were the other 4 members of Team Doom Rider.
“Hey, it's not that big of a deal,” Garble spoke up.
"It wasn´t a big deal? asked a girl with purple-pink skin and purple hair with blue lines, "You stained our team name."
"I wasn't stained him, Starlight," Garble exclaimed, "rather, I was defending him."
"You're a big asshole," a boy with lilac skin and slicked-back red hair yelled at him, "You got caught cheating."
“Heath is right brother, you weren't a Cardfighter, you weren't a Doom Rider, you were a cheater,” added a girl with orange skin and purple hair.
"Come on Smolder, I didn't mean to hurt anyone," Garble wanted to apologize, but it didn't work.
"You were going to break the arm of that boy who just happens to look my age, how come you weren't going to hurt anyone?" Smolder asked.
"He insulted the team's name, he insulted our honor, i had to do something," Garble replied.
“Do you think we are so foolish?” said a girl with pink skin and spiky yellow hair, she was the leader of the team, "We watched the video, he didn't insult our name, he insulted you, and he told you the truth, you were just too immature to accept it."
"But Scales..." Garble spoke, but was interrupted.
“You will address me as captain,” the girl told him sternly.
"Ye..Yes captain."
"So what will Garble's fate be?" asked Starlight Glimmer.
“Due to the events above, I have made the decision to demote you, you will now be on the second team,” Scales said.
"What? You can't do this to me,” Garble claimed.
“Brother, it could have been much worse, you could have been expelled,” Smolder told him.
"Your sister is right, you should be thankful," Scales added, "Garble, you lied, threatened, stole, cheated and lost, you deserve to be demoted."
"Grrr," Garble was furious.
At that moment the door opened and a 14-year-old boy with gray skin and black hair combed in a very cool way came out.
"What are you doing here?" Garble asked.
“I got promoted to the first team,” the boy replied until Scales spoke up.
"Rumble will be the one to take your place."
"IS SERIOUSLY? WHY WOULD A CHILD TAKE MY PLACE? Garble asked angrily.
“Maybe it's because he does play with honor and is almost undefeated,” Scales responded.
“My abilities are unique, that's the way it is, Gar Gar,” Rumble told him as Garble backed away.
“It's an honor to be a part of the team,” said Rumble.
Scales smiled.
"But now, what are we going to do with that Spike boy?" Smolder asked.
"We'll have to start our move, i wanted to wait, but thanks to Garble we have to start now, we will change this game forever," Scales said as he showed off some strange-looking gloves, "Now everyone will know what a real Cardfight is like."
The members of Team Doom Rider smirked evilly.
Meanwhile in a military school.
Flash Sentry was walking through the corridors, he was going directly to his school club, but then he heard a voice.
"Flash."
Flash turned around and saw a boy with blue skin and blue-black hair, Flash smiled, "Soarin, how are you?"
“Wonderful,” Soarin replied as the two of them bumped fists.
"That must be good news, I haven't seen you smile like that since Pie Day."
Soarin laughed, "Hehehe, yes, but it's not because of that, we already have a teacher and coach for our Vanguard club."
"Seriously that its so cool," Flash replied.
“It's his first day, but I guarantee you'll like him,” Soarin said.
“Okay, I'd like to meet you,” Flash walked into the clubroom and his jaw dropped when he walked in.
"IT CAN'T BE," Flash yelled excitedly.
“Long time no see Flash, I can see you've improved,” said a white-skinned, blue-haired boy who Flash recognized.
"Shining Armor."
Meanwhile in another school.
A white-skinned woman with bright aurora-like hair was speaking to a group of girls, "This year I've decided to add a new challenge to the Friendship Games."
“A new challenge, how exciting,” a girl with pink skin and poofy hair said excitedly.
“Amazing, a new challenge, I won't lose,” said a girl with light blue skin and rainbow hair.
“Remember this is teamwork,” said a girl with orange skin, yellow hair, and wearing a cowboy hat.
"I'm curious, what will that new challenge be?" said a beautiful girl with white skin and purple hair.
“Will it be scary? I wouldn't want to participate in something scary,” said a girl with yellow skin and pink hair.
“I don't think it's scary hehe,” said a girl with orange skin and red and yellow hair.
The woman replied, "Cardfight Vanguard."
“Cardfight Vanguard?” the girls asked at the same time.
Spike and Twilight were on their way to school, upon arrival they found Thorax who greeted them happily.
"Hi Spike, Hi Twi," Thorax greeted them.
"Hi Thorax," the two greeted him back.
"You are not going to believe this, since we appeared on TV, everyone is talking about us, especially you Spike."
"Hehehe, I think it's an exaggeration Thorax, I highly doubt that…." Spike said as they entered but was interrupted by many voices.
"There's Spike."
"Come on lets go."
"Spike."
"Uhh, what's going on here?" Spike was overwhelmed to see so many students closing in on him.
The students began to ask him many questions.
“Is it true that you defeated a world champion?”
"Can we see your cards?"
"Is it true that they are magical and that you are possessed by the spirit of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh which helps you play?"
Spike tried to answer as best he could.
“He wasn't a world champion, he was one of the national champions,” Spike agreed, explaining.
"Yeah sure," Spike pulled some cards out of his Deck and showed them.
"No, that's from another card game, Thorax I need help."
Thorax nodded, "Stand back, let him breathe, he has a class to go to."
“Ughh, I'm finally free of all that,” Twilight thought as she reached her classroom.
But then her friends came.
"Did you see that Twi, we were on TV."
"Yes, I know, my brother is being chased by the other students," Twi said with a rather sarcastic tone, "And all this for a game of cards."
"Like Spike says, it's more than that," Moondancer said, "Maybe we should try it, it might be fun."
Twilight thought about it and a smile suddenly formed on her face, "Not a bad idea."
Thorax walked Spike to his classroom, but on the way they bumped into someone.
"Hey, watch where you're going, you idiots," Ember said, "Oh, Spike, Thorax, I'm sorry, I didn't think it was you."
"Ember, it's nice to see you here," Spike said, "How have you been here, the first days are really hard?"
Ember replied, "So-so, there are a lot of snobs in this school, and I feel like this uniform is suffocating me, but other than that, I think I can handle it."
After that talk, Spike headed to his class while Thorax and Ember went to the same class.
Upon entering, Spike realized that his classmates were staring at him.
So this is what a celebrity feels like, Spike thought, then flustered, I don't know if I can get used to it.
"Spike."
Spike turned to see who was calling him and saw his 2 classmates, Toola Roola and Coconut Cream.
"Oh hey girls."
“Spike, we saw you on TV, you were amazing playing,” said Toola Roola.
“That guy was really evil, but you put him in his place,” added Coconut Cream.
"Hehe, I just did what anyone would have done," Spike replied humbly.
“Still, it was really fun to see you even though we didn't understand the rules,” said Toola Roola.
“And that's why we want to ask you a little favor,” Coconut Cream asked.
"Umm, sure, what do you need help with?" Spike asked them.
And suddenly, from their backpacks the 2 took out pre-built Decks.
“Trial Decks, girls, are you?” Spike asked.
“Yes, we want to learn to play,” said Toola Roola.
"Could you teach us Spike?" asked Coconut Cream.
"Of course girls, I assure you that you won't regret buying those Decks," Spike told them excitedly.
Cardfight Vanguard, a game where you must fight alongside your units on Planet Cray.
A fight against your opponent where there can only be one winner, where there is no room for ties.
And although that is the premise, this game can cause great things, it all depends on the Cardfighter and his skill.
What challenges will await Spike in the future, that is something you will soon see, together with Crystal Scale and the Narukami clan, he will always go forward alongside his friends to protect this game.
Author's Note
Well, this was the final chapter, I thank everyone who commented on this story, I really like your comments, they inspire me to continue writing, but don't get depressed, there are already guaranteed sequels, just wait for them, also if you like, you can read my other fics, thanks to Banshee531 for letting me use several things from his fics.
Upcoming Vanguard Stories:
Cardfight Vanguard EQG The Cardfighting Club
Cardfight Vanguard EQG Friendship Games
Cardfight Vanguard EQG Doom Rider Attack
Little Dragon, Big Destiny
Author's Note
Welcome to my new story, like Chaotic's, this one will be very short but unlike that one, this one does have guaranteed sequels.
As always, I've wanted to make a YuGiOh fic, but I still don't have the skill to write it, so I chose a slightly simpler but just as epic card game, also, I feel this page could use another Vanguard fanfic .
The rules of this game will be based on the 2018 remake, I feel that it is the version that I would have liked to see when I was a teenager, although I think the original is the best, the 2018 remake also has its charm, I hope you enjoy it.
Little Dragon, Big Destiny
We are in the house of a happy family.
"They're amazing Twily," said a man in his early 30s, with dark blue skin and dark blue hair with amber eyes, he was wearing a blue striped flannel shirt with an orange tie under a navy blue sweater, and he had slacks. blue-grey khaki and black sneakers.
That man is called Night Light and he was amazed to see the grades of his daughter, Twilight Sparkle, she had passed all her exams with perfect grades, in all the sheets you could see the letter A+ marked with red ink, even in one of her exams was written A++.
Twilight Sparkle was flattered by the compliment, she was a 10 year old girl, she wore a light blue button down shirt and a purple skirt, she wore black school shoes, her skin was a purple color, her hair was two tone purple with a pink line and her eyes were magenta, she replied a little embarrassed, "Thanks dad, but, its no big deal."
“It most certainly is!” She was answered in high spirits by a woman in her mid-30s, with light gray skin, moderate purple and lighter gray streaked hair, light arctic blue eyes, and wearing a lighter gray long-sleeved shirt under a gray sweater vest over a red shirt, a purple three-star necklace, reddish-purple khaki shorts, and dark reddish-brown pants. purple dancers, that woman is called Twilight Velvet, the mother of Twilight Sparkle and wife of Night Light.
Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Hehe, thanks mommy."
“Twily, these are incredible grades, and you should be proud of your talents, you are very smart, much smarter than most adults we know,” Twilight Velvet told her.
“That's why we're so proud of you,” Night Light said as he and Velvet pinched each other's cheeks.
"Mommy, daddy, stop it," Twilight said, still smiling.
After Twilight's parents placed her tests in the refrigerator, the three of them headed to the living room.
But without realizing it, behind them was an 8-year-old boy, with purple skin similar to Twilight Sparkle's, he had green hair and eyes, he was wearing a purple shirt, green shorts and sport shoes, the boy seemed be sad.
That boy's name is Spike, he was the third son of the family, Twilight Sparkle's little brother, he was holding a drawing which he was going to show his parents, but Twilight had shown them his grades before he could speak.
In the drawing there was a small purple dragon that had a sword and a cape, in the lower corner of the drawing the name Spike was written and in the upper corner of the drawing the letter A- was written in red ink.
Spike felt inferior, he was not as smart as his sister, the only thing he believed he could do was draw decently, Spike would have liked his parents to see his drawing, even so, he decided to put it on the refrigerator next to Twilight's exams.
But when he tried to put his picture on the fridge, he noticed that it was full because Twilight's tests were taking up all the front space, so Spike couldn't put his picture on it.
A feeling of sadness invaded Spike, he also wanted to be special like Twilight was, he wanted his parents to be proud of him, but then he thought, "How can they be proud of me, I'm just a weakling who has nothing special. ”
Then Spike went to the trash can and opened it sadly, he threw his drawing inside, after that, he went upstairs and went to his room trying to hide his tears.
But miraculously, her parents and sister heard his footsteps.
"Honey, what was that?" asked Night Light while the 3 of them were in the kitchen.
“Mmmm,” Velvet murmured as she saw the door where the trash can was ajar, she opened it, then opened the trash can and saw that inside there was a crumpled drawing.
Velvet teared up at the cute drawing of Spike, "Oh Night, come check this out."
Night Light walked over, and saw the crumpled drawing, "This was made by Spike, wow, that's amazing."
"What is it? What is it? I want to see,” Twilight Sparkle asked curiously to which her parents showed her the drawing, “Daww, it's so cute, did Spike draw it?”
Her parents nodded, to which Twilight wondered why the drawing was in the trash.
"But why…" Twilight asked as she glanced at the refrigerator full of her tests, "Oh no."
Twilight took the drawing, went to the refrigerator, removed one of the tests, and placed the drawing there in an attempt to show that Spike was special, too.
Night and Velvet were moved by such action of their daughter.
“That was very nice, Sweetie,” her mother told her with a tear.
"Spike deserves some credit too," Night Light said with a smile, then asked, "How about we congratulate him on getting an A- on that awesome drawing?"
The two nodded and Twilight ran straight to Spike's room.
Before leaving, Velvet and Night Light had a little dialogue, "Poor Spike, he must have felt rejected."
"I think we have not given it the attention it deserves, are we failing as parents?" Velvet asked.
"We can change that, we'll let Spike know we're proud of him too." Night Light replied as they made their way to Spike's room.
But when they arrived, they noticed that Twilight was knocking on the door, but receiving no response.
"Spike, open the door please," Twilight requested.
"Go away Twilight," Spike replied, trying to hide his tone of voice.
The 3 of them could tell by the tone of his voice and because he seemed to cut himself off as he spoke, it was obvious that Spike was crying behind that door and he didn't want to be seen.
"Honey, we saw your drawing, it was beautiful what you drew, a cute dragon," Velvet spoke to her through the door.
"Yes, you are talented Spike, you draw very well," said Night Light trying to cheer him up.
"But seeing how applied Twilight is, I realize that a stupid drawing is worthless," Spike said through the door, this time not hiding the fact that he was crying.
"Spike, that's not true," Twilight replied.
"Spike, your father and I love you very much, and you are not only Twilight's little brother, she considers you her best friend, you know that's true," Velvet told her to which Twilight nodded.
Spike thought about it, he knew that all those things were true, but even so, he didn't dare to open the door.
His parents and sister did not know what to do, they just stayed near the door of his room, but at that moment, someone arrived.
"I think I can help," said a 14-year-old boy with white skin, blue hair and blue eyes who was wearing the Crystal Prep uniform, that boy is Shining Armor, the eldest son of the family and Twi and Spike older brother.
"BBBFF," Twilight said.
"Spike, he's feeling less Shiny, maybe you can help him," his father said to which, Shiny nodded.
He walked to the door, called out to Spike, but there was no answer.
“Spike it's me,” shouted Shining Armor.
“BBBFF? What do you want? Spike asked.
“I just want to talk to my LBBFF,” Shining replied, “Can I come in, Spike?”
A few seconds passed, but finally Spike opened the door.
Shining walked in, he could see that Spike had been crying due to the tear marks on his face, he sat down next to Spike, quickly asking him what was going on, "Hey, what's making you feel bad little brother?"
“I…I, I feel like I'm worthless,” Spike replied.
"Why do you say that?" Shining asked in surprise at such a revelation from Spike.
"Because I'm not special, no matter how hard I try, I can't be as smart as Twily," Spike said, pausing, "I'm not even as strong or brave as you."
“Spike, you don't have to compare yourself to us, we're all different in our own way,” Shining continued, “But Spike, why do you want to be strong like me? I don't see any point in it, you have a great talent in drawing, you should be proud of that."
"I know brother, I'm just saying there are times when I feel like my efforts will ultimately be in vain," Spike said holding back tears.
Shining Armor stared at him.
"I, I don't hate Twily, on the contrary I love her like a big sister," Spike continued, "But I feel that I will never be someone important like she will be, it is clear that she will be very successful in the future, she will surely become some scientist or whatever, while I'm just a failure."
The moment he heard that, Shining sprang into action.
"Spike, look me in the eye," I stare at Spike, "You're not a failure, you never will be."
"Even if things look bad, I know you can always move on, I know you Spike."
Spike listened curiously with great attention.
"Even if it looks very different from mine, you have the strength of your greatness, and with that you will be able to find your way, follow it, no matter how it hurts and no matter what path you choose, mom, dad and Twily will continue to love you."
At that moment Shining Armor had an idea.
Shining took out a card from his pocket, it seemed to be from a Trading Card Game.
“You should have this Spike,” Shining said to Spike as he handed him the card.
Spike saw the card, in it was a kind of purple anthropomorphic dragon without wings, which used a crystal armor which covered his legs, arms but leaving much of his chest and torso exposed.
Spike continued to see more details of the card, in the upper left corner the number 2 was marked, a little further down was a shield emblem with the number 5000, and at the bottom was another number that said 10000, Spike assumed it was the power of the card, and above was the name.
"Crystal Scale?" Spike said out loud.
“He is a very powerful warrior,” Shining told her.
"Uh?" Spike asked.
"What's wrong? Cheer up,” Shining said to Spike with a big grin.
"Imagine it Spike," Shining continued, "Imagine yourself as big and strong as the warrior on that card."
"Shining, that's impossible," Spike replied a little hesitantly.
“It may seem impossible at first, but if you picture that warrior in your mind, you will become great and powerful,” Shining said spiritedly.
Spike smiled and said to himself, "Very powerful."
“As powerful as the little guy who possesses it,” Shining said.
Spike, feeling moved by Shining's words, decided to open the door and the first thing he received was a group hug from his entire family.
“Oh Spike, we're so proud of you, no matter what, we're always proud of our children,” Velvet told him.
“And we're sorry you felt less, you won't feel that way again,” Night Light told him.
At that moment Spike cried again, but with a feeling of guilt, "I, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."
“Shhhhh, it's okay Spike, it's okay,” Velvet told him.
"Spike, come with me," Twi took Spike's arm and they went into the kitchen together.
Upon arrival, Spike witnessed his drawing on the refrigerator, but not only that, but he was also in the center.
"Great jobs should be there, that's a rule," Twilight told her.
Spike had no words for this, he was so happy that the only thing he could do was give Twily the biggest hug.
"Daww Spike," Twily hugged him back.
The whole family had been moved by the scene.
Hours passed and Spike was in his room asleep.
He was dreaming that he was the legendary warrior Crystal Scale, in that dream he was fighting against other evil dragons, but none were a match for him.
What Spike didn't know was that this card would take him on an incredible adventure in the future, one where he would grow up.
And while he slept, he left the Crystal Scale card on his table and although no one saw it, the card began to glow.
