Cardfight!! Vanguard - Equestria Arc

Chapters

Ride 001 - Stand up, my Avatar!
Ride 002 - A Visit
Ride 003 - Gathering Clouds, Rising Darkness
Ride 004 - Enter, King of the Holy Knights!
Ride 006 - Battle Royale! Justice Kick! Enigman Buster!
Ride 007 - The Results, The Regionals and The Waiting Room
Ride 008 - Robot Dinosaurs
Ride 009 - The Flames of the Apocalypse Burn Through All
Ride 010 - Discard! Discard! Discard, Empty Souls!
Ride 011 - Davy Jones' Locker
Ride 012 - The Shadow Appears
Ride 013 - Diamond Tiara's Number One Fan
Ride 014 - Round 1: Demons of the Abyss, Awaken!
Ride 015 - Round 2: Pale Moon, Take the Stage!
Ride 016 - Final Round: Shadow Paladins, Banish the Light!
Ride 017 - This Power...
Ride 018 - A Taste of Darkness
Ride 020 - Back to the Championships
Ride 021 - Coepit
Ride 022 - Angeli ceciderunt, a gratia
Ride 023 - PSY Qualia
Ride 024 - Dragon of Hell
Ride 025 - Counterattack
Ride 026 - Judgement
Ride 027 - Clash of the Strongest
Ride 028 - Bound Emotions
Ride 029 - The Top Idol Arrives
Ride 030 - Eradication
Ride 000 - Prologue
Ride 005 - Shop Qualifiers! Oracle Think Thank, Advance!
Ride 019 - Super Dimensional Combination! Clash, Overlord and The King of Braves!

Ride 001 - Stand up, my Avatar!

Three years later...

“Miss Belle, are you listening?”

“Huh?” She looked pretty much the same, albeit taller and having a pink heart with an eighth note on her flank(s). “Oops, sorry about that, Professor Star.”

The teacher raised her eyebrow. “Miss Belle, is there something you would like to share with the rest of the class?”

"No ma'am." said Sweetie Belle, rather unenthusiastically.

"Ok then. Continuing in our lesson, class, please turn to page 231 in the Encyclopedia of..."

Sweetie Belle just looked out the window, which was right next to her seat. She didn't know why, but it seemed her brain refused to listen to a middle-aged mare ramble on about Celestia knows what. Not that it mattered of course. Sweetie still got decent marks.

"... And the reason the earth pony slaves decided to revolt was because-" the teacher began.

"They were sick and tired of not being treated equally, and the fact that they were sold around like objects." Sweetie unknowingly continued.

Everypony looked at her in surprised.

"I-I did some advanced r-reading ok?" stuttered Sweetie nervously. She hated being the focus of everypony.

The teacher smiled a bit. "Like Miss Belle said, the slaves revolted due to inequality and the absence of their rights..." the teacher continued.

Sweetie then looked out the window again. She spaced out, and stayed that way until the bell rung.

"Ok then, class dismissed!" hollered Professor Star.

Sweetie sighed. Finally. She thought. Class is over.

She packed her saddlebags quickly, and went for the door, but two colts blocked her way, also knocking her down.

“Hey! Watch it!” said one of the colts. He was pretty buff unicorn, and his cutie mark’s a fireball. “What the buck do you think you’re doing?”

“Uhh… I’m sorry, I’ll just get my saddleba- what are you doing!?” Sweetie said, annoyed, as one of the colts poked through her saddlebags.

“Huh? What’s this- Oh look! A card! Recognize this, Heat?” said the skinny one with a drum for a cutie mark.

“Pfffft. Of course I do. I’m the strongest cardfighter out there.” said the red unicorn colt called ‘Heat’.

“Hey! Give that back! That card’s mine!” said an anxious Sweetie. The colts realized that this card was important to her.

“Oh? This is yours?” said ‘Heat’. “Well too bad. This thing’s mine now!” and with that, both colts proceeded to run away.

Sweetie went after them, of course. She tailed them without a hitch. Perfect. She thought as she hid behind a tree. They don’t even know I’m here.

She saw them go near some sort of shop, and of course, she followed them inside.

She wasn’t expecting what she saw.

There were posters of dragons, robots and some rather unidentifiable stuff around her, tables, and boxes that seemed to be full of small plastic packets.

“Welcome to Card Capital!” said an unfamiliar, cheerful voice. Sweetie turned to look at a stallion that had dark green hair. “My name’s Card Keeper and I’m the manager here!

“Uh... Hi! My name’s Sweetie Belle! Have you seen two colts, one with a fireball for a cutie mark, and one with a drum for a cutie mark?” she asked.

“They’re over there!” said the manager cheerfully, pointing toward a table where, sure enough, the two thieves were playing a game with a green-maned earth pony colt with a white coat, and three yellow-orange stars as his cutie mark.

“My vanguard attacks.” Said the mystery colt as he flipped the top card of his deck and added it to his hand. “Drive check. Nothing there.”

“Darn it!” said the other colt angrily as he revealed the top card of his deck and put it to the lower left side of the table. “Nothing there. I lose.” He gave Sweetie’s card to the stranger.

“Hey! Give me back my card!” yelled Sweetie, annoyed as she turned to the green-maned colt. “Sorry, but that’s mi-“

“No.”

“What?” said Sweetie, shocked. “But that’s my-“

“No. What’s lost in a cardfight can only be regained through a cardfight.” Said the colt unenthusiatically.

"O-Ok then…. Will you fight me?” Sweetie asked. This left the two colts from earlier stunned. How did this teenage mare know how to cardfight?

“Ok then. I assume you know the rules?” said the colt with a hint of disinterest. “Or do I have to teach you?”

“I-I know how to play the game, even if a little, thank you very much.” stammered Sweetie as she sat down. She was pretty nervous since it was actually her first fight. “ But I’ll need that card back to make my deck 50 cards.”

“Ok then. Bring out your Starting Vanguard.” He said as he threw her the card, which she put in her deck, and both of them put a card face down on both their respective play mats and shuffled their decks.

“Draw five.” Both said, surprisingly in sync.

“I’ll redraw two.” said the colt as he put two cards from his hoof on the top of his deck, shuffled it, and drew two more cards.

“I redraw three.” said Sweetie Belle as she put three cards from her hoof to the-well, you get it.

“Ready?” the colt asked. Sweetie nodded.

“Stand up…” both began

“…the…” the colt added.

“…Vanguard!” both said in unison as they flipped the two card on their mats.

“Stardust Trumpeter!” said Sweetie as a pegasus filly with a red mane holding a trumpet appeared.

(RC) (Stardust Trumpeter) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

“Lizard Runner, Undeux!” said the colt, as a small red dragon with twin laser swords appeared.

(RC) (Lizard Runner, Undeux) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

“My turn! I draw!” he said as he drew a card. “I ride Embodiment of Armor, Bahr! (G1/Power 8000) he said as he place a card in the Vanguard Circle, making the dragon change into a demon clad in blood-red armor wielding a sword. “Turn end.”

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

“My turn! Draw!” Sweetie said, as she drew a card. “I ride, Little Sage, Marron, (G1/Power 8000) and I call Knight Squire, Alen behind him! (G1/Power 7000)” As if on cue, the filly changed into a blonde unicorn holding a tome, and behind him appeared a colt with a glowing sword.

(RC) (Marron) (RC)

(RC) (Alen) (RC)

“Alen boosts! Marron attacks Bahr!” she said as she rested both cards.

“No guard.”

“Drive check! Nothing there.” she said as she revealed a card that had the illustration of a blue dog with wings for ears and added it to her hand.

“Checking the damage. Draw trigger!” he said as he revealed a picture of a red mare dancing. “Power +5000 to Bahr and I draw a card!” (Hand: 6)

“Turn end.” (H: 4 D: 0)

“My turn. Draw.” He said as he drew a card (H: 7). “Ride, the vanguard! Dragon Knight, Nehalem! (G2/Power 10000)” as he said this, ‘Bahr’ turned into a knight in navy blue, who jumped on top of a humongous dragon. “I call.” Three cards fell on the mat.

(Nehalem) (Nehalem) (Nehalem)

(RC) (Bahr) (RC)

H: 3 D: 1

“My rear-guard Nehalem attacks your vanguard!”

“I guard with Wingal (Shield: 5000)!” said Sweetie as she placed a card that had the blue dog on the circle between both their mats, AKA the Guardian Circle, then to the drop zone beneath her deck.(H: 3)

“My vanguard attacks! Checking the drive trigger!” he said as he pulled a card that had a weird dragon-pony thing with a yellow mark on the top left. “Critical get! Power +5000 to my rear-guard, and the extra critical to the vanguard!”

“Damage check, first, no trigger. Second, no trigger.” Sweetie said as she sent the top two cards of her deck to the left side, AKA the Damage Zone. (D: 2)

“My rear-guard attacks at 15000 power!” the colt said, eyes blazing.

“I guard with Epona (Shield: 10000).” said Sweetie calmly as she placed a card with an elven filly on a gold beetle on it in the drop zone. (H: 2)

“Turn end.” (H: 4 D: 1)

“My turn. I stand and draw. (H: 3) I ride Knight of Silence, Gallatin! (G2/ Power 10000)” Sweetie said, and ‘Marron’ suddenly changed into a purple pony with a spiky mane and a bandanna that covered his eyes holding a sword. ”I call! Gallatin! Marron! Wingal! (H: 0)

(Gallatin) (Gallatin) (RC)

(Marron) (Wingal) (RC)

“Marron boosts, and my rear-guard Gallatin swings at you for 18000 power!”

“I don’t guard. Checking the damage, no trigger. (D: 2)

“Wingal boosts, and Gallatin attacks at 16000!”

“No guard.”

“Drive check! Critical trigger! All effects to the vanguard! (Power 21000, Critical 2)” (H: 1)

“Checking the damage once. No trigger. Twice. No trigger.” he said as he sent the top two cards of his deck to the damage zone. (Hand: 4 Damage: 4)

“Turn end.” (H: 1 D: 2)

“My turn. Stand and draw. (Hand: 5)” He said. He looked at the card he drew and grinned. “Ride the vanguard! Crimson reaper of the apocalypse, reduce all to ashes, my avatar!! DRAGONIC OVERLORD (G3/11000)!!!"

At the same time he said these words, he slammed a card down on Nehalem. The knight was enveloped in a maelstrom of flames, which was slashed in two by a giant flaming saber, giving full view to the hellish red dragon that wielded it. (Hand: 4)

“D-Dragonic O-Overlord!?” stammered Sweetie Belle as she looked at the ace of the clan she was facing against, ‘The Heat Haze’, usually known as Kagero.

“Dragonic Overlord’s Counterblast! Give rise to the crimson wind of the apocalypse! ETERNAL FLAME!” he yelled as he flipped three cards face down in his damage zone. “Overlord gains Power +5000!”

Overlord’s wing suddenly burst into flame, sparks shooting everywhere. His sword also started to glow, albeit in magenta. “Call! Bahr!”

(Nehalem) (DO) (Nehalem)

(Bahr) (Bahr) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 3 flipped, 1 unflipped.

“Dragonic Overlord attacks your rear-guard Gallatin at 16000!”

“N-No guard!” says Sweetie Belle, still shaken a bit since, after all, this card was pretty strong.

“I lose Twin Drive!! since I used Eternal Flame, so, drive check! Draw trigger! Power to Overlord! (Power 21000)” (Hand: 5)

“Huh? Why’d you give the power to Overlord?" asked Sweetie Belle as she put Gallatin into the drop zone, puzzled. Overlord was done attacking, so why’d he give it to him? Unless-

Sweetie’s eyes widened in realization as the colt gave her a look of amusement.

“You guessed it. Dragonic Overlord, Eternal Flame!” he called, and Overlord moved back to the Stand position. “Dragonic Overlord attacks the vanguard with a boost from Bahr! (Power 29000)"

“I-I don’t guard!”

“Drive check! Critical! Power to my Nehalem on the left, and extra critical to Overlord!” (Hand: 6)

Sweetie looked in horror as Overlord unleashed a torrent of fire from its maw directed at Gallatin. To her horror, the flames hit Gallatin and cause an explosion.

“I-I d-damage check…” she says, sending the top card of her deck to the drop zone, and when she’s about to put the second one, a red sign on its top left glows red. “I got a draw trigger! Power to Gallatin! (Power 15000)” (Hand: 1 Damage: 4)

“Bahr boosts, Nehalem attacks at 23000 with the help of a trigger!”

“No guard.” As she calmly places the top card of her deck into the damage zone. (D: 5)

“I can’t attack with my other Nehalem, so that’s the end of my turn.” he sighed.

“M-My turn! Stand and draw!” she stammered. This is the end she thought. I’m going to lose that card now… “Huh?” She looked at the card she drew. Her eyes widened, she looked up, smiled and said, “Looks like I win.”

“Hmmm?” the colt says, amused.

“Stand up, my avatar! The light that defends the weak! Ride, BLASTER BLADE!!!” she yelled, as she slammed down a card with an illustration of a white pony-knight, making the colt’s eyes widen. (H: 1 Damage: 5)

“Blaster Blade’s Counterblast! Pinpoint Burst!” she said as she flipped 2 cards in her damage zone face down, and one of the colt’s Nehalems (the one on the right) was sent to the drop zone. “I call, Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere!”

(Bedivere) (BB) (RC)

(Marron) (Wingal) (RC)

“I attack with Bedivere, boosted by Marron! Bedivere’s skill gives him an extra Power +3000, making the total Power at 21000!” Sweetie says.

“I guard with Tahr and Monica! (Shield + Overlord’s power: 26000)” he says. (Hand: 3)

“I attack with Blaster Blade with a boost from Wingal! Wingal’s skill activates! Blaster Blade gains Power +4000!!” she squeaks, something that hasn’t happened for a while.

“I guard with Gojo and Aermo!" (Shield + Overlord’s power: 21000)

“I believe that this deck will lead me to victory! Drive check!” she said, feeling a lot more confident. She drew the top card and her eyes widened. She just smiles and reveals the card. The card’s name is Future Knight, Llew. “Critical GET!!! ALL EFFECTS TO BLASTER BLADE!!” she squeals in delight.

“Wait, there’s still a possibility of me pulling a heal trigger, don’t forget.” The colt says rather calmly.

Sweetie’s mood instantly deflated. “G-Go on, d-damage check.”

“Checking the damage, first, none.” he says as he bites his lip. “Second. None.”

The white knight known as a Blaster Blade swung his sword and slashed Overlord in a wide arc, causing the flame dragon to stagger and fall, eventually dissolving into a bunch of red sparkles.

Everypony in the vicinity was stunned speechless at the intense cardfight’s conclusion.

“I-I won… I actually won...” Sweetie mutters to herself, shocked.

The colt packs up his deck turns to leave and says, “Keep the card. Next time though, the outcome will be different.”

“Wait! At least give me your name so we can fight again sometime!” Sweetie yells almost desperately, to her own surprise.

“My name is…” the colt says. “Spark Light.”

Ride 002 - A Visit

Three days. It had been three days since that cardfight. Sweetie couldn’t help but feel concerned since Spark Light hadn’t come back to the shop since the fight. Could he be angry that he lost to a filly? Nah, that would be way out of character for him. Not that Sweetie knows that, of course. To take her mind off things, she decided to pay her dear friend Apple Bloom a visit. They hadn’t seen each other for months, so this was a good time for that.

“Rarity! I’m going to Sweet Apple Acres to visit Apple Bloom, okay?” she said as she got her deck.

“Okay! Just come back before dark- AAAGH!” screamed her sister as Sweetie heard a loud crash. Sweetie shuddered and ran outside, heading for Sweet Apple Acres.

Twenty minutes later…

Sweetie was gasping for breath. She had finally reached her destination. Who knew that Raindrops could get that mad? she thought. Well, at least I’m here.

She saw an orange pony wearing a cowmare hat buck a tree, making the apples fall into a bucket.

“Hi there, Applejack!” she said to the orange mare.

“Oh, hi tah you too, sugarcube!” said the Applejack smiling, but panting a bit.

“Where’s Apple Bloom?” Sweetie asked.

"She’s in the barn, making all kinds of doohickeys.” said the farmer. “Anyway, why’d ya take long to visit, Sweetie?”

“You know… my studies and…. Stuff.” says Sweetie, rather dismissively and started running towards the barn. “Ok, gotta run, bye Applejack!”

“Ah swear, fillies these days…” she muttered, shaking her head, as she continued her work.

Meanwhile, inside the barn…

There was a yellow mare with a mane braided with red ribbons inside; fixing what looked like a mechanical table of some sort. She fell on her haunches, revealing her cutie mark to be an apple with two gears inside.

“Hi, Apple Bloom.” said Sweetie softly.

“Oh, hi Sweetie. I didn’t see ya there.” said the mare nonchalantly. “How’s life?”

“Ok, I guess. Did Scootaloo send you any letters?” asked Sweetie Belle anxiously.

“Sorry, no letters.” said Apple Bloom sadly. Sweetie Belle sighed. When Scootaloo learned how to fly, she was immediately sent to Cloudsdale for further schooling. She promised to write to them, but after six months, the letters didn’t come anymore.

“Oh. Anyway, what’s that?” she said, pointing her hoof at the table-thing, desperate to change the subject.

“Oh. That’s a Motion Figure System Ah made from scratch.” Apple Bloom chuckled as she looked at the bewildered look on Sweetie’s face.

“How’d you make this!? There are supposed to be magic crystals that you have to import from Neighpo-“she started, but Apple Bloom cut her off.

“Let’s just say, Ah have mah ways.” she said, smiling mysteriously.

Sweetie just shrugged. “Anyway, can I try it out?”

“Sure, just let me get mah deck.” said Apple Bloom as she turned and bolted out of the barn. A few minutes later, she came back with a deck.

Both of them placed a card face down on their respective Vanguard Circles.

“Ready?” Sweetie nodded.

“Stand up, Vanguard!” both said simultaneously, flipping over the cards they put down earlier. The Motion Figure System suddenly glows, and projects a hologram of a valley from the Planet Cray.

“Stardust Trumpeter (G0/ Power 6000)!” A pegasus filly with a red mane and a trumpet appears.

“Beast Deity, White Tiger (G0/ Power 5000)!” A robotic white tiger with glowing claws teleports beside Apple Bloom, roaring.

“Mah turn. I draw. (Hand: 6)” said Apple Bloom. “Ah ride, Tough Boy (G1/ Power 8000)! (Hand: 5)” The robot tiger suddenly roars, and is enveloped by a white light. When the light fades away, a grey robot with green-lined saucers on its back took its place.

“White Tiger moves!” she says, as White Tiger suddenly teleports behind Tough Boy.

(RC) (Tough Boy) (RC)

(RC) (White Tiger) (RC)s

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

“Ah end mah turn.” She says, tapping her hoof on the table.

“My turn. I draw (Hand: 6).” Sweetie chose a card and slammed it down on Stardust Trumpeter. “Ride, Little Sage, Marron (G1/ Power 8000)!” The instant the card touched the table, the filly glowed with blue light, turning into the scholar-mage pony. “I call! Alen! Wingal! Kay!” (Hand: 2)

(Kay) (Marron) (RC)

(Alen) (Wingal) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

“Alen boosts, Kay attacks at 14000!” The gray knight swings his sword at the robot.

“Ah don’t guard.” The sword cuts one of the plates in half, causing an explosion.

“Ah damage check.” Apple Bloom said as she revealed the top card of her deck and sending it to the damage zone. “No trigger.” (Hand: 5 Damage: 1)

“Wingal boosts, Marron attacks at 14000 Power!”

“I guard with Grapple Mania. (Shield + Power= 18000)” Apple Bloom says as she shows the card and puts it in the drop zone. (Hand: 4)

“Drive check! No trigger.” Sweetie sighs as she reveals the top card of her deck and adds it to her hand. “I end my turn.” (Hand: 3 Damage: 0)

The mage’s horn glows a bright blue, eventually shooting a beam of pure magical energy at the saucer-bot, who was frantically trying to get away, causing an explosion.

“Mah turn. I draw.” Apple Bloom adds the top card of her deck to her ‘hand’ and smiles.

“Ah ride, Brutal Jack (G2/ Power 11000)!” She slams a card depicting a robotic dragon on top of Tough Boy. The saucer-wielding robot glows and transforms into a robotic dragon with green fins on its back, roaring. (Hand: 4)

“Brutal Jack’s skill! Counterblast! He loses ‘Restraint’ until the end of mah turn!” she says as she flips the single card in her damage zone. The robot suddenly glows a bright green, with blades popping out of its arms. “Call! King of Sword! Queen of Heart! (Hand: 2)

(King) (Jack) (RC)

(Queen) (White Tiger) (RC)

Hand: 2 Damage: 1 flipped, 0 unflipped

“Queen boosts! King attacks! Queen’s skill activates, and King of Sword gets an extra Power +4000!” she says, as she rests the two cards.

“Hmmm…. I don’t guard.” Sweetie says, rather mysteriously. (Hand: 3 Damage: 0)

The chess-piece robot swung its sword at the mage, causing an explosion.

“Yeesh, with all these explosions, you’d think Michael Bray made this Motion Figure System…” mumbled Sweetie as she put the top card of her deck, a blue dog with wing-ears, in the damage zone. (Damage: 1)

“Tiger boosts Jack’s assault!”

“I don’t guard.”

“Well, get a load of this! If Jack’s boosted by a Nova Grappler, he gets Power +5000 (Power 21000)! Brutal Blaster!” she says, as the robotic dragon charges up his mouth, then shooting Marron with a barrage of lasers. “Drive check! Draw trigger! All to Jack!” (Hand: 4)

“Damage check.” Sweetie says calmly, as she puts the top card of her deck in the damage zone. (Hand: 3 Damage: 2)

“Ah end mah turn.” she says. (Hand: 4 Damage: 1 flipped, 0 unflipped)

“My turn. I stand and draw.” Sweetie picks up the top card of her deck and smiles.

“Stand up, my avatar! Ride, Blaster Blade!!” she slams the card on the table and in an instant, replacing the mage is a knight clad in white, holding a sword of light. “I don’t activate his skill.”

(Kay) (BB) (RC)

(Alen) (Wingal) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 2

“Alen boosts Kay’s attack! Kay gets an extra Power +3000 since the vanguard’s a Blaster (Power: 17000)!”

“Ah don’t guard. Damage check, no trigger.” (Damage: 1 flipped, 1 unflipped)

“Wingal boosts Blade’s onslaught (Power: 19000)!”

“No guard.”

“Drive check!” Sweetie says, revealing the top card of her deck. “Critical trigger! All effects to the vanguard!” (Power: 24000 Critical: 2)

Blaster Blade attacks the robotic dragon with his sword, hitting it in the head, causing yet another explosion.

“What is with these dang explosions? Ah damage check, draw trigger.” Apple Bloom sighs as she the card in the damage zone. (Hand: 5 Damage: 1 flipped, 3 unflipped)

“I end my turn.” (Hand: 3 Damage: 2)

“Mah turn. Ah stand and draw.” Apple Bloom sees the card she draws, and smiles. “Final turn.” (Hand: 6)

“Huh!?” Sweetie responds to the phrase, puzzled. ‘Final Turn’ was usually only said when a fighter is certain that he/she would win. Sweetie gulped.

“Dragon of the east, hear my call! Rise up and destroy! Beast Deity, Azure DRAGON!!!” Apple Bloom slams a card onto Jack, which disintegrates and turns into a robotic dragon warrior wielding a sword of fire and a shield of lightning, heavily influenced by the Orient.

Sweetie freezes. Beast Deity, Azure Dragon? Was that the new unit mentioned from the new expansion pack? She’d never seen Apple Bloom use this unit before, so it must have been.

“Ah can see ya didn’t buy the new expansion set yet, by the look on yer face.” Apple Bloom chuckles. This was going to be fun, since Sweetie didn’t know how to counter this unit…yet.

“Anyways, Ah call! Beast Deity, Golden Anglet! Beast Deity, Blank Marsh!” (Hand: 1)

A golden robot pony-dragon thing and a silver robotic fox with tufts of red fur around its neck.

(King) (BD, AD) (BD, GA)

(Queen) (White Tiger) (BD, Blank Marsh)

Hand: 3 Damage: 1 flipped, 3 unflipped

“King attacks with a boost from Queen (Power: 20000)”

“No guard!” (Hand: 3 Damage: 3)

“Blank Marsh boosts, Anglet attacks (Power: 16000)!”

“No guard.” (Damage: 4)

“Blank Marsh’s skill! I put him in the soul, (Soul: 3) and Ah get to stand another ‘Beast Deity’! Ah stand Golden Anglet! His skill gives him a boost of Power +3000!”

Sweetie fidgeted a little. She was close to six damage now, and she was against a deck that could attack multiple times.

“Golden Anglet attacks (Power: 12000)!”

“I don’t guard.” Sweetie sends the top card of her deck to the damage zone, revealing itself to be a heal trigger. “Alright! I heal a bit, and I give Power +5000 to Blaster Blade (Power: 14000)!”

The robot pony-dragon shoots a laser at Blade, causing another, albeit small, explosion.

“White Tiger boosts, Azure Dragon attacks (Power: 16000)!”

“I guard with Wingal and Alen (Blaster Blade’s Power + Shield = 24000)!!”

“Two tah pass, huh? Twin Drive! First check, heal trigger! Power to Azure Dragon! Second check…” Sweetie bit her lip. Please don’t pull another trigger. she thought. Celestia, please no…

Apple Bloom revealed the top card of her deck. Its name was Ring Girl, Clara. “HEAL TRIGGER! All effects to the vanguard!”

“D-Damage check, no trigger.” Sweetie stutters as she sends a copy of Wingal to the damage zone. (Hand: 1 Damage: 5)

“White Tiger’s skill activates! I put him in the soul (Soul: 4), and Ah counterblast! Golden Anglet stands again!” she says, as the pony-dragon powers up once more.

“O-Oh Celestia…” Sweetie mutters.

“That’s right! Golden Anglet gains another Power +3000! Now, attack (Power: 15000)!”

“I don’t guard.” Sweetie looked at her hand. It was a single copy of a new card she had come across, Solitary Knight, Gancelot. It was a Grade 3, meaning it didn’t have any Shield. She sighed.

Gold Anglet shot a bolt of lightning at Blaster Blade, causing an explosion, which made the knight dissolve into blue sparkles scattered by the wind.

“Damage check, no trigger.” Sweetie says as she puts the top card of her deck, a Marron, in the damage zone. “I lose.”

“Well, it looks like Ah’m still good to go, right?” jokes Apple Bloom. Sweetie smiles.

“Hey girls, long time no see.” says an unknown, yet familiar voice. Both mares turn to the entrance of the barn, and are shocked to see an orange pegasus filly with a purple mane styled in a ponytail, with a cutie mark of a flaming wheel on her flank.

“Remember me?” said the teenage mare, grinning. “It’s your old buddy, Scoots.”

Ride 003 - Gathering Clouds, Rising Darkness

"Hey girls, it's me, Scoots."

Sweetie Belle stood there, speechless. Apple Bloom, however, had already recovered from the shock.

"Scoots! How are ya!? Why haven't y'all been sending letters!?" Apple Bloom said. "We haven't heard from ya in six months!"

"Hehe... Sorry about that. I wanted to make this visit a surprise." replied the pegasus, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof.

"Well, all that matters is that you're here now, right?" said Sweetie,finally recovering from the shock. "And also, do you know about a card game called 'Cardfight!! Vanguard'?"

"Yeah, duh. Anyway, where's Rainbow Dash? I really want to see her!"

"You lookin' for me, squirt?" said an all-too familiar voice which made Scootaloo turn and see a certain cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane.

"Rainbow Dash!! Oh my gosh, you look as awesome as ever!" squeed Scootaloo, letting her fangirl side come out and runs towards Dash.

"Heck yeah! How ya doin' in flight school, anyway? Does it suck..."

"Hey Rainbow, why were you at the orchard, anyway?" asked Sweetie Belle.

Rainbow Dash's cheeks reddened and she looked away, blushing furiously. "Uh, I was bu- helping Applejack! Yeah! I was helping AJ!"

"Right..." said Apple Bloom, rolling her eyes. "How'd you know we were here, anyways?"

"Well, duh. Those dragons and crud of yours were exploding left and right! Were you thinking nopony would notice? I went here as fast as I could, in ten seconds flat, of course!" said Rainbow Dash with a grin plastered on her face. "Anyway, wanna go catch up at the Sugarcube Corner, squirt?"

"BUCK YEAH!" yelled the orange mare, obviously excited.

"Can I come with you?" asked Sweetie, interested.

"Sure! What 'bout you, AB?"

Apple Bloom chuckled a bit. "Sorry, but Ah have to fix up this here Motion Figure System!"

Scootaloo stuck her tongue out. "Aw... You're no fun, AB."

"Well, what're we waiting for!? Let's go!!!" huffed Dash impatiently, as the three mares made their way to the bakery.

[br]

40 minutes later...

"OOOOOHHH!!! THEN, WE PUT STREAMERS, AND CUPCAKES, MILKSHAKES, AND OO-"

"Pinkie!!!"

"- and then we put my party cannon-"

"PINKIE!!!!!"

"What?" Said the hyperactive pink pony.

"Two chocolate milkshakes, please." sighed Scootaloo, as she handed over a few gold coins to Pinkie. Sweetie Belle was her only companion now, since Dash left earlier for weather duties.

"Okie Dokie Loki!" Said the hyper pink pony, bouncing off.

"Continuing, my stay in Cloudsdale was as boring as hay. Ughh..." groaned the orange mare as two mares, one pink and the other gray, walked in and sat next to them.

"Oh look, it's that weak chicken, Scootalooser. Miss us?" sneered the pink mare. "Couldn't take it at Cloudsdale?"

"Diamond Tiara is like, totally right. Did you get expelled or something?" asked the gray mare, nudging the now teenage Diamond.

"None of your business, buckheads." said Scoots impatiently. Ugh... Not these two again. I thought I got rid of them years ago!

"Ooh! Such language! Didn't your parents- Oh wait, they DIED!" said Tiara as the two bullies burst into laughter.

Scootaloo could feel the heat rising to her face and was about to smack her in the face, when Sweetie held her hoof and said: "Don't let them get to you, Scoots. They're trying to tick you off. These two are just jealous of your prowess in Vanguard!"

"Me? Jealous of her? You must be joking right? Ugh, let's get outta here Silvy. These losers are wasting out time." said Tiara as she and Silver Spoon turned and tried to walk out.

"Scared?"

That made Tiara stop in her tracks. "Me? Afraid of you? Don't make me laugh!

"Then cardfight me." said Scootaloo calmly.

"Hey!!! Losers like you can't orde-"

"Shut up, Silvy. I'm about to show this chicken who's boss." snapped Diamond Tiara angrily, prompting Silver to shut her mouth.

The both went to a nearby table and put a card face down on opposite sides and drew 5 cards, not caring to redraw.

"I'm gonna kick your flank, loser!!"

"Let's see, ya prissy, stuck-up daddy's girl!"

"Stand up, Vanguard!!" Both said, as they flipped the cards set down earlier.

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!!" said Tiara as she imagined a green dragon-warrior standing next to her.

"Stealth Beast, Evil Ferret!" Scootaloo imagined a ferret-like being, coated in darkness.

Everypony that knew anything about Vanguard was stunned. This was a new clan that was highly anticipated these past few months.

"My turn. I draw!" Said Scoots (Hand:6). "I ride Stealth Rogue of Silence, Shijimamaru!!!"

The ferret suddenly teleported to a back row, being replaced by a pony in bandages as the Vanguard.

"Turn end." (Hand: 6 Damage: 0)

"That's all you got!? My turn! Draw!" said Tiara as she added the top card of her deck to her hand. "I ride, Iron Tail Dragon (G1/ Power 7000)!!! Conroe moves!"

(RC) (ITD) (RC)

(RC) (Conroe) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

"Iron Tail attacks with a boost from Conroe (Power: 12000)!!! Drive check, no trigger!" (Hand: 6)

"No guard!! Damage check, draw trigger!" (Hand: 6)

Sweetie watched as the battle went back and forth, pitting ninjas against flame beasts that could incinerate through every tactic any other pony had. Sweetie hated to admit it, but Diamond Tiara was a VERY strong fighter. On the other side, Silver Spoon was cheering Tiara on.

Current field

Diamond Tiara (current turn)

(Nehalem) (Blazing Flare Dragon) (Berserk Dragon)

(Bahr) (Mahoraga at 15000 Power) (RC)

Hand: 2 Damage: 2 flipped, 2 unflipped (4)

Scootaloo

(Left Arrester) (Mandala Lord) (Right Arrester)

(RC) (Leaf Raccoon) (RC)

Hand: 6 Damage: 1 flipped, 3 unflipped (4)

"Mahoraga boosts Blazing Flare Dragon! Immortal Flame: Death Tendril! (Power 31000)" said Tiara, as the hellish dragon's revolver shot out dark red serpents of fire and magma. "Twin Drive!! activates! No triggers!" (Hand: 4)

"Perfect guard." said Scoots as she dropped two cards in the drop zone, one of them with a golden shield sign. (Hand: 4)

"Berserk attacks the vanguard!"

"No guard. Damage check, draw trigger!" (Hand: 5)

"Nehalem attacks with a boost from Bahr!" said Diamond Tiara, with an edge of malice. (Power: 18000)

"Mandala Lord's skill!"

"Huh!?"

"Persona Blast! (Hand: 4 Damage: 2/4 since used/unflipped) The six worlds of never-ending darkness, break free! MANDALA JAIL!!!" As she said this, chains shot from behind the sinister Covert Demonic Dragon, impaling Nehalem.

(Nehalem: 18000 ---> 8000)

Diamond Tiara stood there, mouth hanging wide open as a fly went in and flew back out.

"I-I end my turn." (Hand: 4 Damage: 2/4)

"My turn. I draw. Look's like it's FINAL TURN!" yelled Scootaloo, shocking everypony. (Hand: 5 Damage: 2/4). "I call Stealth Beast, Million Rat! Counterblast to superior call!"

"Million Rat boosts! Leftie here attacks! Death Trap Chain!"

"No guard! Damage check, no trigger!" (Damage: 2/5)

"Leaf boosts, Mandala Lord attacks, Raccoon's skill! Extra power (Power 21000)!"

"I guard with Tahr and Genjo!" near-yelled the snobby, pink pony. Two ponies, one a monk, one a warrior with a flaming spear, appeared in front of the demonic fire-dragon.

"Twin Drive!! Activates! First check; critical trigger, get! Power to Mandala, Critical to Right Arrester! Second check..." said Scootaloo rather nervously. She checked the top card. It was..... "STEALTH BEAST, MOON EDGE!!! ALL EFFECTS TO THE VANGUARD!!!"

Mandala Lord let loose witha volley of purple fireballs and chains, instantly killing Blazing Flare Dragon.

"Damage check; no trigger... (Damage: 6)" said Diamond Tiara dejectedly. She packed up her cards as quick as hay and ran outside before you could say 'Rainbow Dash'.

"Tiara! WAIT FOR ME!" said Silver Spoon, running out as fast as she could go, chasing after her BFF.

"I sure taught them a lesson, didn't I?" chuckled Scootaloo. "That'll teach daddy's girl not to mess with us."

"Yeah..." said Sweetie Belle, rather disturbed. She had felt a cold tingling in her bones that had gone away as fast as it came.

"HERE ARE THE MILKSHAKES, SILLY FILLIES!" said a loud voice from behind them.

Meanwhile, somewhere in an alley near Sugarcube Corner...

Diamond Tiara was pissed, so she went to an alley to vent. How could she lose to those low-class scum? Had she not been the strongest cardfighter? Heck, even Apple Bloom lost to her. Badly. "I need to get stronger..."

"ARGGGHHH!!!! I NEED TO GET STRONGER!!! I need to destroy those losers!!!" she yelled to nopony in particular, kicking a can, which landed in front of a dark gray pegasus colt with a messy red mane. She immediately noticed his cutie mark, which was a small eclipse with a star in the middle.

"I couldn't help but hear what you said. Do you want true power? Then follow me." said the colt, rather directly.

"How can I trust you? And prove it to me, this so called 'power'." said Tiara, rather surprised and interested.

"Picture it in your mind." the colt says, as his eyes suddenly glow a deep purple.

Diamond Tiara closes her eyes and feels herself merging with her surroundings, then, with a flash of purple light, what she sees amazes her. There was a grassy field, with what looked like a circus tent, with manticores, three-headed dogs and more. Wow... she thought. So this is true power...

Diamond opens her eyes, seeing the colt standing there, smiling, with Silver Spoon beside him, having walked in on them earlier, looking at him with an amazed look on her face.

"Will you take this power?" the colt asks, grinning. "My name's Midnight Storm, by the way."

".... Yes... Yes, I will."

Author's Note

I did this on my IPad. Please point out any mistakes XD sorry if it took so long.
I also wanted to say thanks to all the viewers.
Edited. Thanks to the guy who pointed out the mistake.

Ride 004 - Enter, King of the Holy Knights!

Sweetie Belle groaned. She'd just woken up to a broken alarm clock, beeping non-stop. She had to destroy it with her magic to make the accursed beeping go away. However, due to being inexperienced at magic (even if she was already a teen), she was suffering a short headache.

"Aaaagh....." she said, rubbing her horn a bit to release some of the stress.

She suddenly smelled something bad. After a bit of sniffing around, she found out that it was her who smelled like garbage. She made a break for the shower.

One desperately needed shower later...

Sweetie was drying herself, feeling refreshed. Her mind was on a different train of thought, though, as her eyes wandered to a deck of cards on top of her study table.

"Hmmmmm..." Her deck's Grade 3 list was pitiful, really. She used 2 copies of Stardrive Dragon, 2 Gancelot, 2 Marhaus, and 2 Bors. She desperately needed to upgrade her deck.

Her eyes then wandered to a note on the table and sighed. Rarity was going to Canterlot for the month because of fashion business, and her month's worth of allowance was managed by Twilight Sparkle, the local librarian and Element of Magic.

When she finally finished drying her coat and mane, she remembered a meeting she was supposed to have with the other Crusaders.

She immediately packed her saddlebags, went outside, locked the door, and ran towards a certain shop nearby.

When she finally got her destination, she nearly bucked the door down due to excitement.

"Welcome to Card Capita-" began the clerk, but Sweetie Belle galloped by so fast he was sent spinning.

"Hi girls!" she said as an orange pegasus and a yellow earth pony looked at her.

"Y'all are late again. Right, Scoots?"

"AB, ya don't buckin' say!?"

Just as the two were about to squabble, Sweetie inquired, "When are we gonna open that box we ordered?"

"Here it is." said Apple Bloom as she took out a blue box depicting a white pony-knight in regal armor.

"I'll take the first pack!" huffed Scootaloo impatiently, getting a Booster Pack and ripping the plastic off. "Aw, man. I got a Wyvern Guard Barri. Does anypony want this?"

Everypony except Sweetie and Apple Bloom (who were tearing through boosters) looked at her and raised their hooves.

"Well, too bad. Ya have to buy this from me for 28 bits."

Everypony who had wanted the Kagero RR Perfect Guard groaned.

Apple Bloom gave a shriek of delight as she pulled a crimson robo-pony with axes for appendages. "Ah finally got it!!! Standspam, here Ah come!"

Sweetie Belle sighed as she put a robotic dog wielding a knife to her ever-growing pile of shiny cards. She immediately noticed a card with a different kind of foil, the same knight who had been used as an illustration for the Booster Box.

"Hey girls, why's this card's foil different?"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's jaws dropped and their eyes widened.

"Sweets! How could you NOT know what that thing is!?"

"Sweetie, that thing y'all are holding is the rarest card of this dang Booster Set! That's an SP unit!!!!"

Sweetie looked at it. The card read:

King of Knights, Alfred (G3/10000)

"I command you under the name of the King of Knights! Warriors, heed my call!"

The white unicorn mare the proceeded to immediately replace some of her cards with the shinier ones, Alfred included, in her deck, leaving a pile of Kagero units which she forked over to Card Keeper, the manager, for some credit.

As she finished fixing her deck, the doors of the shop swung open, revealing a white colt with a green mane, with flaming stars as his cutie mark.

He then proceeded to go to a table, put a card there face down, and waited, until...

"Hey Spark!" yelled Sweetie Belle, waving her hooves.

"Sweetie Belle, do you know this guy!?"

"Do y'all know him, Sweets?"

"Yeah. He was that awesome cardfighter I was talking about." said Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo snorted. "Yeah right. I bet this guy's insanely weak."

Right then, the doors were blasted open by a burst of magic, revealing three colts wearing black.

"ALRIGHT EVERYPONY!!! SHUT UP OR I'M GONNA DESTROY Y'ALL!" their leader yelled, but three mares and a colt were ignoring him. "HEY, YOU THERE! I SAID SHUT UP!!!!"

"Trash." said Spark, rather loudly.

"WHAT THE BUCK DID YOU CALL ME!?"

"Trash. Scum. Dirt. Didn't you hear me?" said Spark, coldly. "Or is your stupidity reaching the point where you can't even process a simple sentence?"

Angered, the thug put a card face down on the table where Spark was at. The Crusaders backed away. "LET'S SETTLE THIS ON THE BATTLEFIELD, LOSER!!!!"

Spark smirked and rolled his eyes. This is gonna be fun. he thought.

"Stand up..." they began.

"....the...."

"...Vanguard!!!!!" both of them yelled, flipping over their Starting Vanguards.

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!" said Spark, as a green dragon-warrior wielding a nagitana* appeared right next to him.

"Mecha Trainer!!!" the bully said, as a pony-bot decked out in coaching equipment appeared.

As the Crusaders watched the tense cardfight continue, they were all shocked at Spark's playstyle and advantage.

Dang, this guy... He's insanely strong... thought Apple Bloom as a navy blue pony knight riding a dragon shot a bolt of lightning at a demonic Amareican hoofball player.

Maybe I was wrong about him... Scootaloo thought, eyes wide as Spark rested a blue dragon with a red sword.

Was... Was he even serious when he fought me? Sweetie Belle asked herself as an azure dragon lunged at the hoofball player with a blood-red sword coated with fire and water.

"Dragonic Waterfall attacks at 31000 Power!!" Spark said, discarding a copy of a reddish-orange pony wielding a staff while riding on a cloud.

The bully sent a sixth card to the damage. He suddenly faced Sweetie Belle and angrily said, "Fight me with my new deck! If I win, this shop is mine! If I lose, I get outta here and never return."

Everypony except Spark stared at her, until she said, "I'll do it."

They both prepped their Starting Vanguards and hand cards, boh now placing their hooves on their respective Vanguards.

"Stand up..." both chanted.

"..... my...."

"...Vanguard!!!" both sid flipping over their SVs. Sweetie had a greying robo-dog named Barcgal (G0/Power 4000), while the thug had Madame Mirage (G0/Power 6000), a butterfly-pony hybrid.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at Spark, who refused to look them in the eye.

"We're mighty sorry tah say you were weak..." Apple Bloom trailed off.

"Me too." said Scootaloo, with both mares raising heir hooves. "Truce?"

Spark glared at them for a minute and then proceeded to ignore them for the rest of the cardfight.

"Ummm... Rude much?" both fillies muttered, taking back their hooves.

They both turned their attention back to the cardfight, looking at the stats.

Sweetie Belle

(RC) (Blaster Blade) (Gallatin)

(Alen) (RC) (Marron)

Hand: 5 Damage: 3 Soul: 4

Thug (Current turn)

(Water Gang) (Violent Vesper) (Vesper)

(Toxic Soldier) (Phantom Black) (Black)

Hand: 3 Damage: 4 Soul: 3

"Black boosts, my rear-guard Vesper attacks!" (Power 17000)

"I guard with Epona." (Hand: 4)

"I attack with my vanguard at 17000 Power!"

"No guard."

"Drive check! First, none! Second, Sharp Nail Scorpio, CRITICAL GET!!! Power to Gang, critical to the vanguard!"

"Damage check. No triggers." (Damage: 5)

"With a boost from Toxic, Gang attacks!"

"Sacred shield of light, defend me! Perfect Guard, Flash Shield, Iseult!" (Hand: 2)

"Dammit.... Turn end."

"My turn. Stand and draw." Sweetie drew the top card of her deck, which made her squeak in delight. Her expressin became serious. "Stand up and enter the fray, Lord of the Holy Knights! Ride, King of Knights, ALFRED!!!!!!!!"

The white pony knight suddenly morphed into a recognizable knight clad in white armor, cape bellowing behind him, wielding a thick blade.**

"Rise, leader of the sanctuary! Royal Energy... BOOST!!!" (KoK, Alfred Power: 16000)

The thug was getting scared now, seeing the king of the sanctuary clothed in a veil of shining blue energy. The others just stared wide-eyed at the King, whilst Spark just... smiled a bit.

"Alfred's Counterblast! Come forth, servants of the sanctuary! Superior Call, Gallatin(G2/Power 10000)!!" Sweetie suddenly called forth a pony with a purple mane and twin laser-swords. "I call, Marron!"

(Gallatin) (KoK Alfred) (Gallatin)

(Alen) (Marron) (Marron)

Hand: 1 Damage: 3 flipped, 2 unflipped Soul: 5

"Alen boosts! Gallatin attacks at 17000!"

"I guard with Sharp Nail Scorpio and Phantom Black!" (Hand: 3)

"The King of Knights attacks at 20000!!!"

The thug looked at his hand. His only units were Grade 3s. "No g-guard."

"Twin drive, first check; no trigger. Second check; CRITICAL GET!!!!" Sweetie yelled as she revealed Bringer of Good Luck, Epona. "All effects to the vanguard!"

"I lose." the gangster says as he put the top two cards of his deck, Machining Stag Beetle and Violent Vesper, in the damage zone. "Let's go, guys."

After the thugs left, she was tackle-hugged by the rest of the Crusaders, giggling.

Spark watched from he sideline, smiling. His expression suddenly hardened as if he had remembered something.

"Wish you were here," he muttered to himself darkly. "Midnight."

Author's Note

*Nagitana - A sword with a handle,longer than the blade, looking like a spear.
** Didn't put Lion Mane Stallion 'cos a pony riding on another pony is awkward.
Point out any grammatical errors, spelling errors, etc, please! XD

Ride 006 - Battle Royale! Justice Kick! Enigman Buster!

"And let's take a break!"

Sweetie sighed and slumped on a chair. She looked around the room and saw Scootaloo and Apple Bloom chatting animatedly with Dinky Doo, while Spark was in a corner, looking through his deck. She saw Rumble and that other colt chatting about colt stuff.

"And then I was all like 'Buck that!' And then I left."

"Mmhm."

"Uhh.. Hey guys." said Sweetie, dragging both colts attention to the cute white mare. "H-hi, I'm Sweetie Belle!"

"Wassup." said Rocket absentmindedly, looking at his deck.

"Hey, weren't you one of those fillies that caused a lot of trouble?" Rumble said, deep in thought. "Cutie Mark Whats-its?"

"Crusaders." Sweetie corrected. "And weren't you the colt Scootaloo had a crush-"

"BREAK'S OVER! To the card port!"

All of them went to the three tables marked with their names on it, and placed a card facedown, and put on special gloves connected to the table.

"The rules are simple! It's everypony for himself! The last one who goes gets the first attack at the start of the fight! You can direct an attack at anypony, but if a skill allows a unit to attack multiple units all at once, you may only select one fighter to use the skill on! Heal triggers work as long as at least one pony has less damage than you do! Damage checked triggers' effects last until your turn is up!"

"Now, let the cardfight, BEGIN!!!" said Card Keeper as all three competitors flipped their starters, causing a pulse of white light to envelop the entire room. A green and white alien, a red dragon with four laser swords and a robotic dog appeared in the room, with the background simulating a valley.

"Stand up, Vanguard!" All three yelled, with a subtle 'my' heard in the background noise.

"Barcgal!"

"Lizard Runner, Undeux!"

"Enigman Flow!"

"My turn! I draw! Ride, Wyver Strike, Jarran!" Rumble suddenly manifested where Undeux was as himself in orange armor whilst riding on a robotic red dragon. "Turn end. (Hand: 5)"

"My turn! Draw!" Sweetie Belle placed a card on the Vanguard Circle, making her appear on the battlefield as Little Sage, Marron. She moved Barcgal to behind the vanguard. "I end my turn."

"My turn, so I draw." said Rocket, his eyes glinting. "I ride, Enigman Ripple! Skill! I search for a copy of Enigman Wave!" The green and white alien's green parts suddenly glowed and turned blue and red, whilst sending out a beam to the skies. The beam eventually landed on Rocket's 'hand', manifesting itself as a new card. "I call! Stand up, Karenroid, Daisy!"

(RC) (Ripple) (RC)

(RC) (Daisy) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0 Soul: 1

"Daisy boosts, Ripple attacks Jarran! Ripple Wave! (Power: 16000)!!!" Ripple waved his hooves in a cross position and shot out a red beam, charged with electricity.

"No guard."

"Drive check! Draw trigger, get!" he said as he revealed a card with the illustration of a penguin holding a laser knife. (Hand: 7)

"Damage check, no trigger." A card with a silver knight and a blue dragon on it was sent o the damage zone. (Damage: 1)

"Turn end."

"My turn, and I draw." Rumble suddenly broke into a smile and placed a card on the Vanguard Circle. "Ride, Dragon Knight Nehalem!" The knight was suddenly enveloped in a maelstrom of fire, leaving an indigo knight riding on a crimson dragon. "And I call! Bahr! Nehalem!" (Hand: 3)

(Nehalem) (Nehalem) (RC)

(RC) (Bahr) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 1 Soul: 2

"Bahr boosts, Nehalem attacks Marron!" Rumble said as he, as the dragon-rider, shot a bolt of lightning from his spear at Marron. (Power: 18000)

"No guard."

"Drive check! Critical trigger!" he said as he revealed a copy of Embodiment of Armor, Tahr, adding that card to his hand. "Critical to the vanguard, power to the rear!"

"Damage check! Once, no trigger, second, no trigger." (Damage: 2)

"Nehalem attacks at 15000 Power!!!"

"No guard. Damage check, Draw trigger! All effects to the vanguard!" (Hand: 6 Damage: 3)

"Turn end." (Hand: 4)

"My turn! Draw!" Sweetie Belle raised the card in the air, she herself glowing a bright blue, noticeable by all but her. "Stand up, my avatar! A white knight with the sword of courage! Shine forth, Blaster Blade (G2/ Power: 9000)!" Sweetie took form on the battlefield, clad in a white-and-blue armor covering most of her body, with a lock of her mane peeking out from her helmet's front, holding a sword with a similar color scheme to her armor. "No skill. I call, Gallatin! Marron! I rest Barcgal to call Flogal!" (Hand: 4)

(Gallatin) (BB) (Flogal)

(Marron) (Barcgal) (RC)

Hand: 4 Damage: 3 Soul: 1

"Marron boosts! Gallatin attacks Rumble's vanguard!" The ninja pony readied his sword and pounced at the vanguard Nehalem.

"No guard. I damage check; no trigger." (Hand: 4 Damage: 2)

"Blaster Blade attacks!"

"No guard."

"Drive check! Flogal! Stand trigger! All effects to Gallatin!" (Gallatin: Stands, Power: 15000)

"I damage check! No trigger." (Damage: 3)

"Gallatin swings in at 15000!" Gallatin once more pounced on vanguard Nehalem, only to be blocked by a yellow pony wielding a flaming spear. (Power: 15000 < Shield: 20000)

"Tahr guards." (Hand: 3)

"Turn end!" (Hand: 5)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Rocket smiled manically and had some sort of glint in his eye. "Ride, enforce justice and smite evil with a never-ending torrent of light! Ride, Enigman Wave (G2/ Power: 10000)! I'm getting all fired up! PERFECT! BLAZE THROUGH THE BATTLEFIELD! CALL! MASKED POLICE, GRANDER! SPEEDSTER! POWER TO WAVE!"

Sweetie and Rumble flinched at the sudden, abrupt change in tone. One minute ago, he was as meek as Fluttershy. Okay, not that much, but you get it. Now, he was getting louder as the minutes passed.

(Grander) (EWave) (RC)

(Speedster) (Daisy) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 0 Soul: 2

"SPEEDSTER BOOSTS, GRANDER ATTACKS BLASTER BLADE, WHICH ACTIVATES GRANDER'S SKILL! POWER TO WAVE! JUSTICE KICK!!!" Grander suddenly hopped on the motorcycle known as 'Speedster', charging at full speed towards Sweetie/Blade, after shooting a plasma bolt towards Enigman Wave, with the light indigo alien absorbing it.

"No guard." (Hand: 5 Damage: 3)

During the last minute before crashing into Blaster Blade, Grander jumped off the motorcycle, landing a few meters in front of the warrior, who got hit in the stomach by the rogue motorcycle. Grander suddenly jumped in the air, and did a photon-charged flying kick, causing Blaster Blade to explode.

"Damage check, no trigger." (Damage: 4)

"WAVE ATTACKS WITH A BOOST FROM DAISY! ENIGMAN WAVE'S SKILL! IF HIS POWER'S 14000 BEFORE BOOSTING, IF THIS HITS, I DRAW!" yelled Rocket crossing his hooves, striking a wierd pose "WAVE BURNER!!!"

"I guard with Epona and Gallatin!!!" (Hand: 3, Power: 22000 < Shield: 24000)

"DRIVE CHECK!" Rocket said, revealing the top card of his deck. "MY SOUL WILL BURN THROUGH THAT SHIELD! DRAW TRIGGER! BURN THROUGH, FLAMES OF JUSTICE!!!" (Hand: 5)

Enigman Wave suddenly glowed a bright orange, getting wings of golden fire as he shot a beam towards the sky. "SPECIAL MOVE! WAVE BUUURRRRNNNEEERRR!!!" he said, as it started raining orange blasts of fire and light, razing the battlefield.

"Damage check; heal trigger! All effects to the vanguard!!!" (Damage: 4, Blaster Blade's Power: 14000)

"WAVE'S SKILL!!! I GET TO DRAW!!!" he yelled, as a card teleported in a flash of green light to his 'hand', making everypony's eyes widen.

"MY TURN ENDS!! NEXT TURN, I'LL FINISH YOU!!!" (Hand: 6 Damage: 0)

"... My turn. Stand and draw." Rumble smiled as he placed a card on his Vanguard Circle. "Ride, Seal Dragon, Blockade (G3/ 10000)!!!" Nehalem suddenly summoned flames atound him, changing into a volcanic dragon covered in purple seal bandages which had an aura of cursed magic heavy in the air. "Vanishing Field! I call, Iron Tail Dragon!!!"

(Nehalem) (Blockade) (RC)

(Iron Tail) (Bahr) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 3 Soul: 3

"Iron Tail boosts! Nehalem attacks Wave!" Rumble said, resting the two units.

"Huh!?" The entire audience was stunned. Sweetie Belle would be the easiest target, since she had the most damage.

"Do you really think I'd guard that!? A real stallion takes an attack head-on! NO GUARD! Damage check; NO TRIGGER!!!" (Hand: 6 Damage: 1)

"Bahr boosts, and Blockade attacks! Volcanic Blast!!!" Blockade's arm bandages loosened, allowing a spike of fire on each heat vent of his arm to jut out as the cursed dragon sent a volley of hellfire from between his claws at the mysterious light indigo alien.

"I'll take the assault! NO GUARD!!!"

"Twin Drive check! First; no trigger! Second check," Rumble checked the top card of her deck, and smiled. "Critical GET!!!"

"Damage check!!! Once, no trigger, second, no trigger!" (Hand: 6 Damage: 3)

This guy's as wierd as hay... Rumble thought. "Turn end." (Hand: 5 Damage: 3)

"My turn! Stand and draw!" Sweetie Belle. I'll show you all I'm no pushover. she thought. "Enter the fray, Lord of the Holy Knights!!! Stand up, King of Knights, Alfred (G3/ 10000)!!!" Blaster Blade was engulfed in a beam of white light, which dissipated rather quickly and left a white pony-knight/king with white and gold armor. "I move Flogal, and I counterblast to call my avatar! Rise once more, Blaster Blade!"

(Gallatin) (KoK, Alfred) (Blaster Blade)

(Marron) (Barcgal) (Flogal)

Hand: 3 Damage: 3/4 Soul: 1

"Marron boosts, Gallatin attacks Enigman Wave!"

"I guard with Justice Cobalt!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 3)

"Alfred attacks at 20000 Power!"

"No guard!"

"Twin Drive check! First; no trigger! Second; no trigger!" (Hand: 5)

"Damage check! No trigger!" (Damage: 4)

When Sweetie saw the wierd colt was beginning to quiet down, she inwardly sighed. Finally. she thought. "Flogal boosts, Blaster Blade attacks!"

"I guard with Army Penguin!" (Hand: 4 Damage: 4)

"Turn end."

"My turn. Stand and draw." A golden aura was forming around Rocket, looking like a cloak of some sort. He raised his hoof in the air, holding a card that was glowing too bright for anypony to see. "Warrior of justice, descend on the battlefield and destroy all evil! HENSHIN!!! STOOOOOOORRRRRMMMMMM!!!!" as he said these words, his energy cloak was seemingly absorbed by the card, which he slammed onto the Vanguard Circle, making the indigo alien change into a white and gold palette swap of himself, albeit bigger and having fully developed wings. "Call! Commander Laurel and Cosmo Beak! Beak's skill! Counterblast, Power +4000 to Storm!"

(Grander) (EStorm) (Cosmo Beak)

(Speedster) (Daisy) (Laurel)

Hand: 3 Damage: 2/4 Soul: 3

Special Counter: Storm's Power - 15000

"Storm attacks Blockade! Since his power is 15000 before I even boost or anything, he gains Critical +1! SHINING RUSH!!!" Storm's hoof started to crackle with thunder, and the heroic alien lunged at the cursed dragon.

"I guard with Tahr and Bahr!" (Hand: 3, Damage: 3, Power: 15000 < Shield and Power: 25000)

"TWIN DRIVE CHECK! First; draw trigger! All effects to Storm and I draw. Second check." he said looking at the top card of his deck. "Heal trigger! Break through, Shining RUSH!!!" (Hand: 6 Damage: 1/3)

"GRAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" Enigman Storm's hoof charged with more electricity, punching through the barrier created by the two Embodiment units, and connecting with Blockade's face.

"Darn it!!! Damage check, no triggers." Rumble sent a purple snake-pony and a grayish-blue dragon to the damage zone.

"Laurel's skill! MIRACLE WAVE!!!" The moment these words were uttered, Enigman Storm moved back to the Stand position, whilst four other rear-guards moved into the Rest position.

"WHAT!?"

"JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM!? DID YOU THINK I WAS GONNA LET YOU SURVIVE THIS TURN!?" yelled Rocket as he pointed his hoof towards Rumble. "Daisy boosts, Storm attacks Blockade! My soul burns with the power of love and valor!!! SPECIAL MOVE!!!! ENIGMAN BUUSSSTTEEEERRRR!!!" (Power: 33000, Critical: 2)

"I-I can't g-guard against that!"

"Boo-hoo to you then! Twin Drive! First check; Stand Trigger! All effects to Grander (Grander stands, Power: 13000)! Second check; Critical trigger get! All effects to Grander!"

Enigman aimed his hoof at Seal Dragon, Blockade and started to accumulate multi-colored energy particles that formed a spinning ball of light. When it was as big as a soccer ball he pointed it at the dragon, and yelled, "ENIGMAN BUSTER!!!" A bolt of rainbow-colored energy sprouted from the ball of light and split into multiple beams of energy that went for Blockade.

"I d-damage check! N-No trigger... I lose..." Rumble looked down while a card that had the illustration of a hellish dragon with four arms and a revolver floated over to the damage zone.

"And there you have it!!! Our Kagero user, Rumble, has been ELIMINATED!!!" Card Keeper announced as Rumble left the stage and disappeared into the audience.

A loud 'NOOOOOOOO!!!' was heard from most of the female audience.

"Now, the only competitors left are Sweetie Belle and Rocket!!!" announced the manager. "Let's see who'll move on to be Ponyville's representative for the regionals!!!"

Sweetie/Alfred looked on at the sight before her, a golden and white alien glowing with a rainbow hue, levitating overhead with its wings spread wide...

Author's Note

This continues next chapter. I thank Kamen Writer for Rocket. point out any mistakes etc. ok? XD
Anyways, comment what clan you'd like to see early! No GP, Angel Feather, Narukami, Genesis, or any plot-relevant and season 2 clans. No Shadow Paladin either.

Ride 007 - The Results, The Regionals and The Waiting Room

Ride 007 - The Results, The Regionals, and The Waiting Room

"Turn end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 1/3)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Sweetie Belle tensed as she drew the top card of her deck. Buck it., she thought. "ALL OR NOTHING! FINAL TURN!"

The shop suddenly became quiet after she yelled the phrase. Rocket raised his eyebrow.

(Gallatin) (KoK, Alfred) (Blaster Blade)

(Marron) (Barcgal) (Flogal)

Hand: 6 Damage: 3/4 Soul: 1

"Marron boosts! Gallatin attacks!" said Sweetie Belle as a purple ninja-pony with a spiky mane.

"I don't guard. Damage check; no trigger." Rocket placed a card named "Twin Order" in the damage zone. Gallatin's sword began glowing blue, and slashed Enigman Storm's left wing.

"The King attacks! Go forth, Lord of the United Sanctuary!" said Sweetie as she, as Alfred, swung his sword as Enigman Storm, shooting a wave of blue energy at the golden-white alien.

"I guard with Justice Cobalt, Karenroid, Daisy, and Enigman Wave! JUSTICE GUARD FORMATION!" The selection of units morphed into a giant green circle, blocking the attack. (Hand: 2)

"Twin Drive check! First; Critical trigger! All effects to my avatar! Second check," Sweetie checked the top card of her deck. "ALABASTER OWL! CRITICAL GET! ALL EFFECTS TO BLASTER BLADE!"

Rocket's eyes widened at the sight of the triple-critical Blaster Blade.

"Flogal boosts, Blaster Blade attacks at 24000 Power and 3 Critical!"

"I'LL TAKE THE ASSAULT! I damage che-" Rocket was interrupted by the sound of a cellphone ringing. He pulled it out from nowhere (much to everypony's shock) and answered the call. "Who is this? Oh! Twis- wait, I'M LATE FOR WHAT NOW!?" He immediately packed up his cards and ran into the crowd as fast as he could while yelling. "WELL, GOTTA GO! I FORFEIT! BYE!"

"Wimp. Couldn't accept he was about to lose." grumbled Scootaloo.

"B-b-but the cardfight! And the double crit-" Sweetie Belle was interrupted by a card landing in front of her, glowing.

"Hey, that's my- you know what? KEEP THAT!" Rocket said as he dashed outside faster than you can say "Rainbow Dash", leaving everypony bewildered.

"Well, uh... OUR WINNER IS SWEETIE BELLE!" announced Card Keeper, still confused as hay.

"Err... Yay?"

The audience slowly burst into applause for the new member of the team. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom galloped towards her, while Spark merely looked away. She sighed.

"Okay! The team selection is now done! Anyways, what do you think an appropriate name would be for Ponyville's representatives?"

The three former Crusaders yelled, "TEAM CRUSADER!"

"Are you okay with this?" Card asked the lone colt. Spark just shrugged and nodded. "Well, here's Ponyville's representative team! TEAM CRUSADER!!!!"

The croud cheered in applause as the three fillies looked at each other, smiling. Some of the ponies (specifically Spark) put their headphones on, as if to block whatever loud noise was coming up.

"Wanna do it?"

"Jus' like ol' times?

"Sure!"

All three mares inhaled, and yelled.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS VANGUARD FIGHTERS YAY!!!" they said, nearly deafening those who were unfortunate enough to be near them.

*** 2 months later...***

Sweetie Belle and her team stood in front of the stadium. The venue had apparently been moved to a small area in Canterlot, near the 'rich' ponies' homes.

She slowly went up the stairs, followed by her teammates, which led to a door. Sweetie gulped. This is it. Once I go in, there's no turning back.

She pushed the doors open.

Later, in the lobby/waiting area...

"Sweet Celestia, why the hay is it taking so long!?"

Scootaloo was slumped on a couch, groaning. She was currently in the lobby room, which basically consisted of a large room with multiple couches, tables, Crystal Visions, and potted plants. Dang it, why does registration have to take so freakin' long? she thought. Well, might as well get a drink.

As she made her way towards a vending machine, she bumped into a earth pony colt with a blue mane, and light blue coat. "Aagh!"

"Ummm... I'm sorry 'bout that."

"N-no. It was my fault. Well, gotta go miss!" The colt said as he sped away, yelling something that sounded like, "Kamui!".

"Huh, what is it with ponies these days? They make it look like we're in some anime fic or something." she muttered to herself as she put a coin in the machine. She pressed a button for a purple can of cola, but it didn't come out. "Aargh! Darn machine! Give me my soda!"

She kicked the machine. No soda. She kicked it again. No soda. By the 23rd time, she bucked it, putting a small dent in the machine. There it is. "Finally!"

Grumbling, she went back to the waiting room, where Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Spark were waiting for her.

"There ya are! Where the hay have ya been?"

"Bought a soda, okay?"

"Well, we need your signature, decklist, and ..."

Spark looked at the screen as the three were filling out the paperwork. It was showing a purple ninja-dragon with red orbs around its body, who was shooting purple flame-arrows at a giant fly-thing that used the fire on two of its arms to consume and nullify the attack. The fly shot a web of sonic energy at the dragon, who quickly evaded. Finding an opening, the fly shot a fireball (yes, he can) at the dragon, causing an explosion and ending the match.

"Umm... Spark? We need your info here." Sweetie said as she offered a pen. Spark took it and started writing.

Somewhere nearby...

A pink filly with a purple and white mane and a tiara was watching them fill out the application forms.

"Soon." she muttered, as she gripped her pink deckbox. "I WILL get my revenge on you losers."

"HEY DT! DIAMOND TIARA! IT'S ME, ALULA!!!"

Diamond Tiara turned and saw, much to her horror, a light-yellow pegaus filly with a lavender mane galloping towards her. She immediately ran away as fast as her hooves could carry her. However, the filly shifted from running to flying, and soon managed to catch up and tackle her.

"Sweet Celestia, I'm, like, too pretty to die like this!" she groaned, as she was smothered in a bone-crushing hug, with Silver Spoon and Midnight nearby, laughing like maniacs. I am going to KILL those two...

And back to the team...

Sweetie Belle was looking at the card that Rocket had 'given' her, and sighed as she put it back in her binder. She hadn't mastered the card yet, so it'd be a while before she could actually use it.

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" the announcer's voice suddenly boomed. "The first round is about to begin in ten minutes!"

Sweetie Belle gulped as Apple Bloom ran towards them. "Guys, we're gonna have the first match!"

"What!?" Scootaloo yelled. "Then let's decide turn order already! Dibs on second!"

"Then Ah'm first."

"I'm going third."

"S-so that means I'm back-up?"

"OK! We got turn order down! Now let's go!" she said as she galloped to the west atrium.

"Scoots! Yer goin' the wrong way!"

Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter. The cards they're using are meant to be a secret, as all will be revealed in the following rounds.

Ride 008 - Robot Dinosaurs

Sweetie gawked at the cardfighting area. It was basically like her school's gym, but with MF Systems facing each other in multiple 'stages', with the bleachers nearby, while Apple Bloom was putting last-minute practice with her deck.

"Your first time here?"

Sweetie turned to see Spark, smirking a little.

"Uh... Sorry to interrupt, but we have a match to win!" Scootaloo said impatiently.

"Fillies and gentlecolts! The qualifiers have begun! As usual, two matches will be taking place at once during the first match, and the team that gets two out of three is the winner! Anyways, here are the matchups, which were selected at random!"

The announcer began to count off the teams, mentioning everypony, until-

"Returning here at the regionals is last year's regionals winners, Team Foo Fighter IMAGE!"

"Who're they?" Sweetie Belle asked, as she saw Spark flinch. "Spark, do you know who they a-" she was cut off by the sight of the colt glaring at the stage, as the team slowly advanced.

"Foo Fighter is a cardfight gang from Tockyo*. They force their opponents into fights using special gloves that electrocute the pony whenever they get damaged." he said coldly. "If their opponent loses, they leave him to rot in the streets. If they win, they do that to the loser and take in the winner as a new member. That pony can advance in rank if he beats a pony who has a higher position than he does. The highest position is the Team Captain of their main team, who needs to be beaten twice in a row to be removed from his position. They also have lackeys who compete in tournaments under different names, with only 'Foo Fighter' in common, like IMAGE here."

"How do you know so much about them?" Scootaloo asked, with an edge in her voice.

"I had... connections with them." he said, his voice colder than before, as he went over to a bench and sat there.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's jaws dropped. How much did this guy know?

"Huh. So we have a possible former gangster that can shank us with a spork any time. Meh, go figure." Scootaloo shrugged. Sweetie was supposed to be shocked at her friend's indifference, but she just looked at Spark. She did hear his voice rise when he was talking about the violence Foo Fighter had caused, so he must have left because of that, right? Her thoughts were interrupted by the announcer.

"The first round will begin! Will Fighters 1 and 2 of Teams Crusader and Team Blast Wave come forth!"

Apple Bloom finally arrived, holding her deck. "Am Ah late?"

Scootaloo raised her eyebrow. "Took ya long enough. Now let's kick these guys' flanks!"

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and their opponents made their way to the platforms and placed their SVGs face down on the tables.

"Stand up..."

"... my..." added Apple Bloom.

"... Vanguard!"

"Mecha Trainer!"

"Stealth Beast, Evil Ferret!"

"Dragon Egg!"

"Battleraizer!"

As soon as the battlefield (a jungle) and units materialized, Scootaloo and her opponent started attacking each other back and forth while Apple Bloom picked up the top card of her deck. "Mah turn. Draw. Ride, vanguard! Tough Boy! Battleraizer moves back, and Ah end mah turn." (Hand: 5)

"My turn. Draw. Ride, Sonic Noa! And Dragon Egg moves! I call Fortress Ammonite!" said the her opponent, a brown colt with an hourglass for a cutie mark, as he drew the top card of his deck.

(RC) (Noa) (RC)

(RC) (FAmm) (D. Egg)

Hand: 4 Damage: 0

"Ammonite boosts Noa's assault!" (Power: 14000)

"No guard!"

"Drive check, no trigger." Noa headbutted the grey robot, sending a card to Apple Bloom's damage zone. (Hand: 5)

"Turn end."

"Mah turn, draw. Ride, Brutal Jack!" Tough Boy instantly disappeared, replaced by a black dragon with blades as arms. "Counterblast to release Restraint! Rev it up, Jack! I call King of Sword and Queen of Heart!"

(RC) (B.Jack) (KoS)

(RC) (Battleraizer) (QoH)

Hand: 3 Damage: 1/1

"Queen boosts, King attacks at 20000!"

"No guard! Damage check; no trigger." (D: 1)

"Battleraizer boosts Jack! Both their skills bring it up to 22000!" Battleraizer shot cables out, which latched onto Jack, empowering the robo-dragon. The destroyer of steel proceeded to shoot its gatling gun (from its back) at the cybernetic dino.

"Tch... No guard!"

"Drive check; Ah got a Stand Trigger! Power and effects tah King of Sword!"

"Oh crud! Damage check, no trigger!" (D: 2)

"King of Sword attacks once more!"

"I don't guard." The chess piece robot swung its sword at Sonic Noa, causing an explosion and near-destroying Noa's orange armor. (D: 3)

"Ah end mah turn, so Battleraizer returns to the deck." (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/1)

"My turn. Stand and draw." he said, picking up the top card of his deck and smiling. "Slash and destroy, my vanguard! Ride! Come forth, Assault Dragon, Circular Spino!"

Sonic Noa instantly transformed into a gold and black dinodragon that had a laser-saw on its back. "And call! Assault Dragon, Blightops! Assault Dragon, Pachyphalos!"

"Now, put that saw to use! Circular Spino's skill! Sphere Saw!" The robotic Spinosaurus suddenly turned on Blightops and slashed it in half with a laser from its mouth, which it used to eat the remains of the Tricera-bot.

Huh!? Why's this varmint here eatin' his own kin!? Apple Bloom thought.

"Spino gains 4000 Power (8000 -->> 12000)! Blightops's skill! Counterblast, I get an Ironclad Dragon, Shieldon from my deck! Pachyphalos's skill activates, too! He gains 3000 Power (8000 -->> 11000)! Once more, Sphere Saw! Retire Dragon Egg! Dragon Egg's skill, Counterblast and return to hand! Call, Sonic Noa!" (Spino 12K -->> 16k) (Pachy 11K -->> 14K)

Apple Bloom looked at the attacking power of her opponent. So, Tachikaze 'eats' its own units for power, only to get their losses back in the form of Shield. This's one tricky clan...

(RC) (Spino) (Pachy)

(RC) (F. Ammon) (Noa)

Hand: 3 Damage: 2/3

"Ammonite boosts! Spino, charge in at 22000!"

"Ah don't guard!" (H: 4) Spino tossed Jack in the air, roaring. Jack landed on the saw, cutting his arm-blade off.

"Drive trigger check! Draw trigger get! Power to Pachy, and I draw!" (H: 5)

"Damage check; no trigger." (D: 1/2)

"Pachyphalos attacks with a boost from Noa, at 27000 Power!"

"Whoa nelly! Ah can't guard that! Damage check; draw trigger! Power to mah vanguard, and Ah draw." (H: 7, D: 1/3)

"Turn end." (H: 5, D: 2/3)

"Mah turn. Stand and draw!" Apple Bloom smiled at the card she drew. "Ride, my vanguard! Cut with the blade of light! Slash everythin', GOLD RUTILE!!!

"Ah call, Genocide/Brutal Joker** and activate his Counterblast! He's now at 14000 Power! Also, Death Army Guy, Tough Boy, call!"

(G/B.Joker) (G.Rutile) (KoS)

(DA Guy) (Tough Boy) (QoH)

Hand: 4, Damage: 3/3

"Guy boosts, Genocide/Brutal Joker attacks yer vanguard! Genocide Crush!" (Power: 21000)

"Perfect guard with Archbird!" A multi-colored Archaeopteryx spread its wings and blasted the blue-green Jack look-alike's attack with a solar flare, nullifying it. (H: 3, D: 2/3)

"Queen boosts, and King attacks at 20000 Power!"

"I don't guard! Damage trigger check, no trigger." (D: 2/4)

"The attack hits! Gold Rutile's skill! Resonate, GARUDA BLADE!!!"

"Huh!?"

"Ah get to unflip one of mah used damage!" Rutile stabbed its blade on the ground, causing a flurry of golden powder to unflip one Apple Bloom's cards. (D: 2/3)

"Finally, Tough Boy boosts Rutile's attack at 18000 Power!"

"Your vanguard is the weakest, huh? I guard with Shieldon and Carry Trilobite!" (H: 1, D: 2/4; POW: 18000 < SLD: 23000)

"Two triggers huh? Let's see; first check, Stand Trigger! All tah Joker! Second check; hay yeah! Stand trigger! Power tah Joker, Death Army Guy stands!"

"Oh crud!"

"Oh crud is right! They make a pass at ya fer 31000 Power!"

"I can't guard that! I damage check... No trigger." Joker swings his giant buzzsaw-pile at Spino, breaking every bit of armor the dinosaur had and reducing it to a pile of wires, meat, and laser saw in a dinosaur shape.

"And with that, Scootaloo of Team Crusader wins with a devastating Binding Blade attack!" the announcer suddenly yelled, making Apple Bloom and her opponent look at Scootaloo (and her opponent who was saying 'I just don't know what went wrong...'), who was mouthing: Win that.

"My turn. Stand and draw." The colt grins wide as he looks at the card he drew, surprising Apple Bloom. "Ride, the vanguard! Crush and destroy everything! Death without mercy! Come forth, TYRANT, DEATHREX!!!"

What!? Apple Bloom thought. Isn't that the strongest unit them Dinos have ta offer right now!? What is it with me an' ma friends facin' the bosses*** of the Dragon Empire (except Murakumo)!? Who's next, Voidmaster!?

"I call, Dragon Egg!"

(Dragon Egg) (Tyrant, Deathrex) (Pachyphalos)

(RC) (Fortress Ammonite) (Sonic Noa)

Hand: 0 Damage: 2/5

"Fortress Ammonite boosts, Tyrant Deathrex attacks! Deathrex's skill! Tyrant's Rampage! The attack's power goes up to 21000!"

"What!? Ah guard with the two Stand tiggers Ah pulled!" Ah can survive as long as he doesn't double trig me!(H: 4, D: 2/4)

"First check; Criticall Trigger! Power to Deathrex, and Critical, too." (H: 1, D: 2/5)

"Tch..."

"Second check..." He picked up the top card of his deck. "Black Cannon Tiger! CRITICAL TRIGGER! ALL TO THE VANGUARD!"

"Ah damage check..." C'mon Heal Triggers, don't fail me now! "First, no trigger. Second... Draw trigger. Third... no trigger. Ah lose."

Deathrex immediately charged at Rutile, who, trying to block the attack with the Garuda Blade, got tossed into the air and tail-slammed into a tree, breaking it and dissolving Rutile into a bunch of golden sparkles.

After Apple Bloom shook hands with her opponent, she went back to her teammates, feeling down. "Ah'm sorry, guys an' gals"

"Don't sweat it!" Scootaloo reassured. "We'll win the next match, right Sweetie?"

"Yeah! Spark's pretty strong!" she agreed, as her teammate went up to the stage.

"Hey, you! Win this!" yelled Scootaloo as Spark placed his SVG down on the MF System. He just ignored her.

"That guy..." Scoots said, obviously annoyed. "Acting all big..."

"But he does have the skill." replied Apple Bloom.

"Yeah. You saw him attack with Dragonic Waterfall two times in a row with 31000 Power, remember?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Whose side are you two on!?"

As Apple Bloom and Scootaloo argued (with Sweetie Belle as the mediator), Spark was busy with his thoughts.

Let's finish this quick. He won't stand a chance, anyway.

Author's Note

*Tack, which refers to equestrian equipment
**Because it isn't in EN yet, and Brutal will probably be the new name.
*** Here, the rarities are:
Dragonic Overlord - RR - RRR - SP
Covert Demonic Dragon, Mandala Lord - RRR - SP
Tyrant, Deathrex - RR - SP
Stealth Dragon, Voidmaster (since Nubatama will be a full clan in BT13) - RR

Ride 009 - The Flames of the Apocalypse Burn Through All

Spark and his opponent put their Starting Vanguards faced down on the mat, fishing out five cards from the top of their decks and redrawing the amount needed.

"You there! Think you can handle the flames of my Kagero units?" sneered his opponent, only to be ignored. "Hey! Listen to-"

"Just shut up and finish redrawing already." Spark said impatiently.

"Watch it noob! I'll make you regret those poor choice of words!"

"Whatever."

"Ok, after some trash-talking from the competitors, let's start the tournament tie-breaker!" said the announcer, who was a bit nervous about a fight breaking loose.

"Stand up..."

"... the..."

"...Vanguard!" the two finished in unison, as they flipped over their SVGs and materialized the battlefield, which was littered with arrows and undistinguishable units.

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!" A green lizard soldier tore into the battlefield, brandishing a pole-axe*.

"Amber Dragon, Dawn!" A small red dragon with golden armor and flaming wings appeared.

"You use Kagero as well? Let's see how you contend to the power of a real fire dragon!" his opponent said. "My turn, Draw! Ride, the vanguard! Embodiment of Armor, Bahr! Conroe moves behind him! Turn end!"

"My turn. I draw. I ride, Amber Dragon, Daylight!" The small draconian turned into a bigger version of itself, losing the flaming wings in favor of golden, bladed ones. "Skill! I get Power +2000 at all times since Dawn is in my soul, and I get Amber Dragon, Dusk to my hand, and shuffle my deck. I also call Heatnail Salamander!"

(RC) (AD, Day) (RC)

(RC) (Heatnail) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

"Heatnail boosts, Daylight attacks!" (POWER: 14000)

"No guard!"

"Checking the drive trigger. No trigger."

"Damage check, critical trigger! Power and effect to the vanguard!" The golden and red dragon shot up in the air and kicked the demonic armor-spirit in the stomach, making him stumble backwards and get blasted at by a golden ray from an injured Rakshasa.

"I end my turn." (Hand: 6)

"My turn, draw! Ride, Crouching Dragon, Striken!" Bahr was replaced by a red and black dragon who was bound by black flames. "I activate Conroe's skill, and I search for Gattling Claw Dragon! I call Nehalem!"

"Nehalem attacks!"

"No guard. Damage check, no trigger." Nehalem shot a bolt of lightning at Daylight, causing an explosion. (D: 1)

"Turn end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 1/1)

"Huh!? Why didn't he attack with the vanguard!?" Scootaloo said, surprised.

"Striken has 'Restraint', which keeps him from attacking at all times unless it's removed somehow." Sweetie Belle explained.

"My turn. Draw, and I ride, Amber Dragon, Dusk!" The dragon suddenly became darker, with its claw-gauntlets, bursting into flame every minute or so. "Skill! He becomes a 10000 Power vanguard at all times! I call! Bahr! Raopia! Nehalem!"

(Nehalem) (AD, Dusk) (RC)

(Bahr) (Raopia) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/1

"Raopia boosts, and his skill gives the vanguard a Power +4000, and Dusk's skill gives him a power up of 2000! Burn everything, attack at 22000 Power!"

"I guard with Wyvern Guard, Barri!" A knight on a red dragonoid robot shot exploding bullets from the robot's mouth, blocking the raptor-dragon's flame claw attack. (Hand: 4)

"Checking my drive trigger." Spark smiled as he looked at the top card. "Draw trigger. Power to Nehalem, and I draw! (H: 6)" he said, tapping the card's tip on Nehalem.

"Bahr boosts Nehalem's attack."

"Darnit! No guard!" Spark assumed the form of Nehalem as the two titans charged each other, with the humans jumping from this to there, as the dragons wrestled. Spark/Nehalem stabbed the rear-guard and kicked him off his dragon, while shooting a volley of plasma at the body. He then proceeded to help his steed by running up the opponent beast's back at running his spear through, all the while shooting electricity through it, and killing it.

"Turn end." (H: 5, D: 0/1)

"My turn. Stand and draw!" His opponent smirked as he rode the unit he drew. "Ride, my vanguard! Take control of the battlefront with the power of the Flame Dragons! Lash out and burn, FLARE WHIP DRAGON!!!"

A sleek, red dragon wielding a metal whip covered in fire appeared in the middle of the battlefield, whip extending to form a ring around it. It roared, taking the attention of multiple fire wyrms throughout the battlefield.

"Also, I call! Blast Wave Dragon! Embodiment of Armor, Bahr! Heatnail Salamander!"

(BW Dragon) (Flare Whip) (RC)

(Bahr) (Heatnail) (RC)

Hand: 1, Damage: 1/1

This is a slow match. Scootaloo thought. Yeesh! They're both only at 1 damage, during the later points in the game!

C'mon Spark, we need to win this. Sweetie Belle thought, anxious.

"Ok! Bahr boosts, Blast Wave Dragon attacks!!"

"I don't guard." The demonic dragon sent a burst of blue fire at Nehalem, causing an explosion. (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"Heatnail boosts, and Flare Whip attacks at 21000 Power and 2 Critical since Striken's skill activated a while ago!"

That's a constant attacking power that could force even Overlord to need a 10K guard. Spark thought. But I'll need to finish him off...

"I guard with Demonic Dragon Mage, Rakshasa and Dragon Dancer Monica!" (SLD: 20000 > POW: 16000)

"Drive check! First check! Belliscosity Dragon, who's a Flame Dragon! Flare Whip's skill! BURNING WHIPLASH!"

......!?

"Flare Whip Dragon gains an extra 3000 Power for every Flame Dragon I drive check!"

... This unit... Reminds me... of him.... Spark said as he imagined a dark crystal dragon, with glowing red eyes.

"Second check! BLUE RAY DRACOKID! CRITICAL TRIGGER! I give Power +5000 and Critical +1 to my vanguard, and since Blue Ray is a Flame Dragon, he gets another Power +3000!" (SLD: ~~20000~~ POW: 27000)

This unit... I have to take it down... thought Spark as he looked at the Flame Dragon swing its flaming metal whip at Nehalem, cutting a burning gash in both the human and the dragon.

"Damage check, Draw trigger power to vanguard, and I draw! Second check, no trigger." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/4)

"Blast Wave Dragon's skill! I pay the cost to move him to the Vanguard Circle, and he loses 2000 Power!" Spark's opponent smirked. "He attacks!"

"I Perfect Guard with Wyvern Guard, Barri!" (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/4)

"Twin drive! First check, no trigger. Second check! No trigger!" Wave Dragon shot a blast of hellfire at Nehalem, which was guarded by a knight on a red dragonoid shooting lasers from the robodragon's mouth. "Turn end!" (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/1)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Spark placed the card he drew on the Vanguard Circle. "As darkness engulfs the world... Be the torch that guides stray souls and burns away the darkness! Ride the vanguard! Stand up, AMBER DRAGON, ECLIPSE!!!"

A golden glow bathed Dusk, turning the raptor-dragon into a titanic, golden-armored titan of fire and darkness. Roaring, the monster sent a shockwave out that extinguished the flames on Flare Whip's weapon.

"I call! Crimson Reaper, bathe in the flames that will never cease to destroy! Rise, DRAGONIC OVERLORD!"

A Flame Dragon as big as Eclipse appeared, wings blazing and saber held high. The sword was struck by lightning, mixing with the fire already present and creating a plasma-like effect. "Come forth, Heatnail Salamander! I activate Eclipse's Counterblast skill! SOLAR FLARE DESTROYER WAVE!!!"

(Nehalem) (AD,Eclipse) (Dragonic Overlord)

(EoA, Bahr) (Raopia) (Heatnail Salamander)

Hand: 3, Damage: 2/4

"Raopia boosts, Eclipse attacks at 17000 Power!"

"I don't guard."

"Twin Drive check! First check; Get! Critical trigger, Critical to vanguard, Power to Nehalem! Checking the drive once more!" He picked up the top card of his deck and smiled. "Another Critical. Power to Overlord, Critical to the vanguard!"

The hellish dragon's golden claws covered itself in flame. Eclipse then flew to the opponent's position and tucked his wings in completely, dive-bombing his fellow Flame Dragon. He then aimed his flaming claws at Flare Whip, shooting multiple bursts of hellfire at Flare Whip, blasting its armor off in multiple places.

"Darn it! Damage checks.... ARGH!!! No triggers at all! And to top that off, Bahr and Heatnail are retired!" (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/4)

"Heatnail boosts Overlord for an attack of 22000 Power!"

"I guard with Belliscosity and Blue Ray!" (Hand: 2)

"Nehalem attacks with a boost from Bahr!" (POW: 23000)

"Tch... I guard with both Nehalem and Rakshasa!"

"Turn end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 2/4)

"My turn. Stand and draw!" He sighed. "I call another Heatnail."

"With a boost from Heatnail, Flare Whip attacks at 16000 Power!"

"Rakshasa and Monica guard!"

"Twin Drive! First check, Blue Ray Dracokid! All to the vanguard! Second check... Belliscosity Dragon! Heck yeah! BURNING WHIPLASH!!!" Flare Whip swung his whip at Eclipse, causing an explosion that blew off most of Exlipse's armor and bringing the dragon to its knees.

"Damage check. First... No trigger. Second...."

That's it... We've lost at the first round...

"... Heal trigger. Power to my vanguard, and I heal!" (Damage: 1/5)

"Aw yeah!" Scootaloo cheered. "Sixth damage heals are the best!"

"Whoo boy! We dang survived it!"

"Yay! We still have a chance at this!"

"Darn it! I end my turn."

"You were stronger than I expected." Spark said.

"Ha! What the Tartarus do you think I am, noo-"

"But not strong enough."

"What!?"

"Let's finish this. FINAL TURN!!!

"WHAT!?"

"After narrowly surviving the assault led by the vanguard Flare Whip Dragon, Spark Light has proclaimed Final Turn! Does he have something up his sleeve!?" screamed the announcer through the mic.

"I stand and draw." He looked at a card in his hand. "Let's end this, my avatar! Bring forth the winds of Hell and tear through anypony standing in your way! Ride, the vanguard! DRAGONIC OVERLORD!!!"

He flipped over three cards in his damage zone. "Overlord's skill! Eternal Flame! He gets Power +5000!"

"Tch..."

"Boosted by Raopia, Overlord makes at pass at Bahr with 22000 Power!"

"What!? BWAHAHA! Fine, no guard."

"Checking my drive trigger; Critical get, all to Overlord."

"Gahaha! You gave the effects to a unit that already attacked!? Wow, that's du-"

"I activate Overlord's skill! He stands!"

"What!? A vanguard that can attack multiple times without any Superior Riding!? That's unheard of!"

"Hmph. You're just all talk."

"What was that!? Shut up!!!"

"I've fought against multiple units that allow a vanguard to attack multiple times. It looks like you're the noob here, not me." Spark retorted, as Overlord inhaled, preparing the finishing blow.

"Now, my avatar! REDUCE ALL TO ASHES! OVERLORD ATTACKS ONCE MORE!!!"

"Even if I g-guard... He still has two m-more attacks..." the opponent said, whimpering.

Overlord stabbed the embarrassment of a Flame Dragon, who was whimpering just like his controller, tossed it into the air like a ragdoll, and blasted it with a stream of fire from his mouth, causing Flare Whip to explode as a sixth damage flew to its respective place.

"Pathetic." Spark said as he went back to his team.

"You! What the hay did you do there!? We could've lost!" Scootaloo asked, angrily.

"But we didn't, did we?" Spark retorted. Scootaloo shut her mouth and glared at him.

Sweetie noticed this and said, "Uhh, guys? This is great! We made it past the first round! So, um, can I go first next?"

Scootaloo suddenly turned and smiled. "Of course! Glad to see you're getting more confident!"

THAT was a sudden mood change. Sweetie thought, but decided not to say.

"I'm second again!" Scootaloo said.

"I'll sit this one out." Spark remarked offhandedly.

"Guess that means Ah'm third! Yee-haw!" Apple Bloom fist/hoofpumped.

"Round two of the regionals is about to begin! Let's present a special song by the idol group, ULTRA-RARE***!!!" said the announcer as three mares of different age and mane color, one orangish pink, one blond, the other cyan. As they started singing, Team Crusader just enjoyed the song, which was lifting their spirits.

We'll win this. Sweetie Belle thought. We can do it!

SPECIAL ENDING THEME by Ultra Rare: Stand Up Dream! (With lyrics. I don't own this.)

Author's Note

*I can change generic units' weapons.
** See my blogs.

Ride 010 - Discard! Discard! Discard, Empty Souls!

Sweetie Belle and her team were enjoying their stay in the lobby. She was looking at the newer cards in her deck, which she'd just added, since participants needed to put an optional 'side' deck, cards which could be used in exchange for the usual decklist. She was about to remove a card when she was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hey losers! Made it this far, huh?"

She turned to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, glowering at them.

"What the hay do you want, daddy's girl!?" Scootaloo retorted, obviously angry.

"Hey! Shut the buck up, Scootaloser!" Silver Spoon yelled.

"Alright, no need tah fight, you two." Apple Bloom tried to prevent an oncoming fight, but was interrupted by Diamond.

"What!? You're the ones starting the fight, you stupid bumpkin!" Diamond angrily spat. "You plebs don't know anything but to start a fight!"

As the four argued, Sweetie was about to say something until a pegasus colt with a red mane and dark violet fur interrupted.

"Hey you two! Don't start fights here. Save it for the arena!" he said, and somehow getting Spark's attention.

"Hmph. Fine." Diamond grudgingly agreed.

"Who the hay are you!?" Scootaloo said, annoyed that he interrupted.

"Midnight Storm. Glad to meet you." the colt said gleefully. "Oh, hi Spark! Didn't expect to see you here of all places, especially with these weaklings."

"What the hay did ya call us!? I'll mess you up!" Scootaloo was righteously pissed at the colt.

"..." Spark was glaring at the colt.

Midnight looked at Sweetie Belle and his eyes glowed a bright purple, unnoticable by anypony except Diamond Tiara, Sweetie Belle, and Spark Light. Sweetie was plunged into the depths of her psyche, seeing a field where Blaster Blade stood, impaled by a black sword, dissolving into dust.

Blaster Blade!? What's happening!? she thought.

YoU wIlL fAlL iNtO tHe DaRkNeSs.... a demonic voice said, sounding pleased with itself. yOu DeSiRe PoWeR...

Who was that!? Anypony else here!? she said as she turned coming face to face with a black knight like Blaster Blade, sword coming crashing down at her.

"AAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!" she yelled, collapsing onto the ground and catching her teammates' and the other team's attention.

"Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom said, catching her friend before she could hit the ground.

"What the hay did you do to her, you stuck-up creep!?" yelled Scootaloo. Midnight smiled, which psyched her out.

"I simply made her picture a battle between units." he said as he turned and left. "Well, we gotta go, bye! Good luck, 'cause yer gonna need it!"

"Yeah. See ya later, losers!" Diamond Tiara said as she and Silver Spoon retreated as well. "Also, you might as well give up, since you'll be fighting us, Team Foo Fighter PSY, in this round's finals."

"You better watch out. That's Foo Fighter's ace team I was talking about. Also, we're fighting against their lackeys next." Spark said as he went to the arena benches.

Team Crusader(minus Spark) was stunned. How'd SHE and her lackey/minion/servant manage to get on that team!?

"The second round is about to begin!" the announcer said. "Teams Crusader and Foo Fighter IMAGE, come to the arena right now!"

As Sweetie and her teammates went to he arena, she felt something stir inside her. It was like her deck was calling out to h. She brought her deck out, but felt no response. Dismissing it, she put h deck back in its container and made her way to the stage. Her opponent was a pink pegasus with a lavender mane named Candy Drop, as the giant screen that displayed the match-ups said.

"Just 'cos my name's Candy, doesn't mean I'm sweet, newbie." smirked the mare arrogantly as she and Sweetie Belle put their SVGs face down.

"Those jerks..." Scootaloo seethed.

"Stand up..."

"... the..." Sweetie Belle added.

"... VANGUARD!" They said, causing spirals of light blue and black energy to appear in front of the fighters.

"Stealth Dragon, Black Turbulence!" A demonic grayish-purple dragon with an eye on its stomach appeared, darkness coming out of the sealing bandages around its arms.

"Brugal!" A blue dog with yellow markings on its face appeared.

Oh shoot, I forgot to remove those units because of the confrontation!

"I go first, draw." said Candy as she smiled at the top card. "Ride! Seal my opponent's fate, Stealth Dragon! Turbulent Seal!"

The smaller dragon grew to a bigger version, this time with a magic symbol on its chest and wielding a sword covered in purple flames.

"Skills activate! He gains Power +2000 and I search for Stealth Dragon, Turbulent Blade, and I'm done. Turn end."

"My turn! Draw!" Sweetie Belle sighed. "I ride, Flash Shield, Iseult, Brugal moves to the other side, and I call! Snogal!"

(Brugal) (Iseult) (RC)

(RC) (Snogal) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"Snogal boosts Iseult's attack!" (POW: 12000)

"No guard."

"Drive check." Sweetie checked the top of her deck, revealing Blaster Blade. She smiled as she put the card in her hand.

"Damage check, no trigger." A card with the image of a purple dragon surrounded by pink lights trying to hug someone* appeared in the damage zone.

"Turn end." (H: 5, D: 0)

"My turn. Draw." She put a card on the VC. "Stand up! Cursed dragon who's just been unsealed, bide your time and slowly take hold of the power that was once yours! Ride, Stealth Dragon, Turbulent Blade!"

A demonic gray and purple dragon appeared, seals gone, with floating balls of purple fire surrounding it as it slashed its sword in the air.

"His passive skill! He gains Power +1000! I call, Dreadmaster!"

(RC) (SD,TB) (RC)

(RC) (DRDM) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/1

"Dreadmaster boosts, Blade goes for Iseult! Roar, Demonic Blade, 'Crow's Deception'!!!"

"I don't guard."

"Checking my drive!" She revealed a Grade 3 dragon with armor all over its body, wielding a katana covered in demonic seals.

"Damage check." Sweetie placed a copy of Little Sage, Marron in the damage zone. (D: 1)

"Dreadmaster's skill! Counterblast, and you have to discard a card in your hand!" (D: 1/1)

"Fine! I choose King of Knights, Alfred!" She placed the SP Rarity card in the drop zone.

"Eh!? Sweetie Belle, that was yer only dang copy in that deck since the change!" Apple Bloom said, shocked.

"What!? Gahaha! Well, turn end."

"My turn. Stand and draw." She smiled at a card in her hand, and used her magic to raise it in the air. "Stand up my avatar! The blinding light that strikes the darkness to save the weak! Ride, BLASTER BLADE!!!

A white pony-knight wielding a sword-brace on his hoof jumped from the area where Iseult was, swinging his sword and cutting an arc in the air.

"I call! Beast Knight, Garmore! Skill, I discard Knight of Conviction, Bors, for a Snogal, which I call behind him! Snogal gets Power +1000 for every other 'Snogal' on the field!"

(Brugal) (Blaster Blade) (BK,Garmore)

(RC) (Snogal) (Snogal)

Hand: 2, Damage: 0/1

"Blaster Blade, boosted by Snogal, attacks at 16000 Power!"

"I don't guard."

"Drive check! Alabaster Owl, Critical to vanguard and Power +5000 to Garmore!"

"Damage check, first check! Throwing Star, Draw Trigger! All to vanguard, and I draw! Second check, draw trigger again! Heck yeah!" (H: 7, D: 1/3)

"Snogal boosts, Garmore attacks at 20000 Power!" (POW: 20000 VS. SLD: 20000)

"I guard with Stealth Beast, Chigasumi!" A gray anthromorphic leopard-tiger appeared, blocking the silver wolf-knight's twin knife attack.

"Well, I end my turn." (Hand: 3, Damage: 0/1)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Candy Drop looked at the card she drew and smiled viciously. "Cursed dragon, spun from darkness by the spell of the ancients, bring forth disharmony and destroy! Ride the vanguard! Show me your image of victory, STEALTH DRAGON LORD, TURBULENT CHAOS!!!"

A demonic dragon wearing dark gray and lavender armor with a glowing demonic eye in its chest, wielding a sword covered in seals. It roared, causing a shockwave of dark matter from where it stood. (Power: 11000)

"His sword that can end gods, go forth and destroy!!! DEATHTRAP SILVER BLADE, GOD-KILLING BLOSSOM STORM!!!"

The sword the dragon was wielding glowed pink, blasted a storm of pink and violet petals, and extended in the form of a black and purple blade. (Power: 14000//Critical: 2)

"W-what!? An extra Critical before trigger checks!?" Sweetie knew that Gancelot had a similar Critical-and-Power-gain skill, but that unit needed Blaster Blade in the soul AND a counterblast of two.

"Eeyup! I only need to have more cards in my hand, too! I call, Stealth Beast, Sound Breaker!"

An armored wolf-ninja appeared, wielding a machine-spear that shot out a chain which landed on Candy's deck. The beast yanked on the chain and in an instant, the card ended up in her hand as the mare flipped over two cards in her damage zone.

"I call, Voidmaster! Dreadmaster!"

(VDMSTR) (SDL,TC) (SB,SB)

(DRDMSTR) (DRDMSTR) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 3/3

"Sound Breaker attacks Garmore!"

"I don't guard." Sweetie said, retiring Garmore.

"With a boost from Dreadmaster, Turbulent Chaos attacks Blaster Blade!" (POW: 21000, CRIT: 2)

"I guard with Flash Shield, Iseult!" Sweetie said, discarding a card with a golden knight with a beast spirit floating above him. (Hand: 1, Damage: 0/1)

"Twin drive check! First check..." Candy revealed a purple dragon wielding a glowing red japanese symbol as a shield, the most distinctive feature on the card a golden 'SLD' symbol, same as Iseult, Barri and many others. "Second check; CRITICAL! All to Voidmaster!"

"Now, boosted by Dreadmaster, Voidmaster attacks at 21000 Power and Critical 2!"

"Tch... No guard!" Voidmaster casts six seals, all of them then shoot a barrage of lightning at Blaster Blade. (Damage: 0/3)

"I end my turn." Sweetie chose a card on the left, and Candy returned a card to her deck and shuffled. (Hand: 5, Damage: 3/3)

"My turn, stand and draw!" Sweetie rode the card she drew. "Knight of Beasts, ascend to your true power and bring forth the golden claws of the Sanctuary! RIDE, MY VANGUARD!!! FANG OF LIGHT, GARMORE!!!"

Garmore, who was still wearing his silver armor jumped at the sky, and started releasing wolf spirits. When he landed backon the ground, Garmore was wearing golden armor and three-clawed versions of his twin knives.

"Garmore's skill! I discard Alabaster Owl, and call Snogal! His second skill activates! He gains Power +1000 for every Snogal or Brugal on my field!" (Power: 10000 ==> 14000)

(Brugal) (FoL,Garmore) (Snogal)

(RC) (Snogal) (Snogal)

Hand: 0, Damage: 0/3

Special Counter: Snogal POW = 8000

"Snogal boosts, Snogal attacks your vanguard at 16000!"

"Stealth Dragon, Hidden Blade will guard!" A small dark grey dragon wielding a small dagger appeared, who used a katana (the dagger mysteriously disappeared) to block the attack by the silver canine.

"Snogal boosts, Garmore attacks at 22000 Power!"

"No guard." (Hand: 4, Damage: 3/3)

"Twin Drive check! First, no trigger. Second..." Sweetie revealed the card. "Critical Trigger! Power to Brugal, and Critical to my vanguard!"

Garmore jumped and lunged at the Shadow Dragon, swinging his arm in a wide arc and wounding the dragon. The second followed, which nearly got blocked by the demonic sword it wields.

"Damge check; first check... Heal trigger! Power to Voidmaster, and I heal." Candy put one of the flipped cards in the drop zone. "Second check... Draw trigger! Power to Voidmaster, and I draw!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/4)

"Tch... Turn end." (Hand: 2, Damage: 0/3)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Candy shot a smirk at Sweetie. "Final Turn."

"What!?" Sweetie Belle was shocked at the rather early declaration.

"Don't be phased by her, Sweetie!" Apple Bloom yelled. "She's just bluffin'!"

"Am I? Call, Turbulent Seal."

(VDMSTR) (SDL,TC) (SB,SB)

(DRDMSTR) (DRDMSTR) (SD,TS)

"Seal boosts, Sound Breaker attacks at 15000!"

"I guard with Epona!" (Hand: 1)

"Ha! You can't guard this. Turbulent Chaos, pour your very soul into this attack with a boost from Dreadmaster!"

"No guard!"

"Drive trigger check... First check... Stealth Beast, Arrow Wolf. Second check..."

Tch.......

She revealed the top card."Critical Trigger. Critical to my vanguard, and Power to Voidmaster."

"Damage check... First, no trigger.... Second, Draw trigger, Power to vanguard and I draw... Third...."

Please... I can almost hear you speaking....

"... No trigger. I lose."

"And the winner is Candy Drop and her odd Nubatama Clan units! Those discards were absolutely devastating." said the announcer as Candy Drop went back to her team, flashing a triumphant smirk at Sweetie Belle.

"Sorry guys..." Sweetie Belle said, feeling very down.

"Don't sweat it! Me and AB will win those two matches!" Scootaloo reassured. "We'll advance to kick those snobby losers' flanks!"

"Yeah! We'll do just fine, Ah reckon." Apple Bloom agreed.

"Thanks girls... But don't worry. I'll get stronger, for our team's sake!" Sweetie Belle said, totally serious.

Those words... Could it be...? Spark thought as he looked at his teammate. ... Nah... It couldn't be her...

Author's Note

So... This is probably the last time I'll make fan-made units... Thanks to Rachel Rayne for some of the ideas and units!

*Voidmaster does look like he'd hug ya in the card art.

P.S. Sorry for skipping ED 2, but I think it's for the best. Also, expect Megacolony and Granblue soon.

Ride 011 - Davy Jones' Locker

"And now, the second match of Round 2 begins!" yelled the announcer as the crowd cheered. "From Team Crusader is our rising star, Scootaloo! With her absolute defense and cloning, she's overwhelmed all ofher opponents so far!"

Scootaloo grinned at the crowd and waved, making the crowd cheer even harder. Then came out her opponent, making the three mares of Team Crusader's eyes widen. This guy had moved back to Trottingham one and a half year ago.

"And on the other corner, we have Pipsqueak! He's another newbie from Trottingham in the field of Vanguard, but that doesn't stop him from climbing to the top with his zombie pirates!"

Granblue, huh? Scootaloo thought as bothof them went to the stage. Well, this should be interesting.

"Oy! Hey Scoot, how are ya?" Pipsqueak waved at her, smiling. "Ya wouldn't expect I'd be here, Am I right?

"You got that right!" Scootaloo said, happily waving back. They finally arrived at the platform and put their Starting Vanguards faced down.

"Now, let the second match begin!"

"Stand up..."

"... the..." Pip added.

"...VANGUARD!!!" They both flipped over the cards and materialized the battlefield, which was a port.

"Guiding Zombie!" A rotting butler carrying a lantern, illuminating the misty port, appeared.

"Stealth Beast, Evil Ferret!" A white ferret wearing a purple outfit appeared.

"My turn! Draw!" Pipsqueak added the top card of his deck to his hand. "Yarrr! I ride Dandy Guy, Romario! Guiding Zombie moves, and I activate his skill! Back to the soul ye! And the top three cards of my deck walk the plank!"

A blonde zompony appeared, wearing a fancy Canterlot outfit and rose in mouth. Guiding Zombie moved behind and back to the soul, with three units; Spirit Exceed, Monster Frank, and Evil Shade, walking to a plank in the ship. and jumped into Davy Jones' locker.

"I end my turn." (Hand: 5, SP Counter: Drop zone: 3 Cards)

"Hmm... My turn. Stand and draw!" Scootaloo glared at Dandy Romario. "Ride my vanguard! Stealth Rogue, Shijimamaru! Evil Ferret moves to the front!"

(E.Ferret) (Shijimamaru) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0

"Shijimamaru attacks!"

"No guard."

"Drive check... Critical get! Critical to my vanguard, Power +5000 to Ferret!" The demonic ninja sot a bunch of kunai at the zombie, not even phasing it.

"Oy! The ship's bein' attacked! Darn these landlubbers... Damage... No trigger." Pipsqueak sent a card with a pirate blowing air to the damage zone. "Second check... No trig'."

"Evil Ferret attacks!"

"No guard. Damage check, no trig'." (Damage: 3)

"Turn end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn! Time to counterattack!" Pip laughed as he rode the card he drew. "The captain has come! Ride, Captain Nightmist! And I call, Commodore Blueblood!"

A vampony pirate captain appeared, sword glowing. He pointed his sword at his left, making a blue vampony fully-decked in pirate gear.

"Now, Monster Frank's skill! Counterblast! Reanimate the corpse found on an iceberg*! Superior Ride! Also, call Evil Shade!"

"What!? He can superior ride!? I only thought he could call!" Scootaloo silently cursed as the Captain was replaced by a giant pony wearing army-patterns, held together with stitches.

(RC) (MF) (Blueblood)

(RC) (ES) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 3/3

Drop zone: 3

"Evil Shade boosts, and I send the top two cards to the drop and power up the attack to 20000!" (Drop: 5)

"No guard!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Twin drive check... First, heal trigger! Power to Blues! Second, no trigger." Frank landed a punch on the ninja, electrocuting him somehow. (Damage: 2/2)

"Damage check, no trigger." (D: 0/1)

"Blueblood attacks!"

"I guard with Stealth Beast, Moon Edge!" (SLD: 13000 > POW: 10000, Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1)

"Well, that's all." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn. Stand and draw!" Scootaloo sighed as she looked at the card she drew. Oh well. "Ride, Bloody Mist! I call, Left and Right Arrestors, and Stealth Beast, Million Rat!"

Two furry beasts, one tan and one dark brown, wielding chains, and a ninja rat appeared.

"I activate Rat's skill, and I superior call one more!"

(LA) (BM) (RA)

(MR) (RC) (MR)

Hand: 1, Damage: 1/1

"Rat boosts, Left attacks! Death Trap Chain 1!" (Power: 17000)

"I don't guard." Pip checked the top card. "Heal trigger! I heal!" (Damage: 1/2)

"Bloody Mist attacks!" (POW: 10000)

"No guard!""

"Drive check... Draw trigger! Power to Right Arrestor!" (Hand: 3)

"Damage check... Draw trigger! Power to my vanguard and I draw!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 1/3)

"Million boosts, Arrestor attacks! Death Trap Chain 2!" (POW: 22000)

"I don't guard. Damage check... Heal trigger!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/3)

"Turn end. I return Million Rat back to my deck." (Hand: 3, Damage: 1/1)

"Yarr!!! My turn! Stand and draw!" Pipsqueak smiled. "Ride, King of Demonic Seas, Basskirk! Skill, Soul Charge! I get Power +2000!" (Soul: 6)

A pirate pony with a green and blue octopus-like head and pirate outfit appeared, wielding a whip.

"I call! Knight Spirit and Samurai Spirit! Spirit Exceed's skill, and I move the two Spirits to the soul." Pipsqueak put the two rears in the soul, grinning. "And Superior Ride! Spirit Exceed!" (Soul: 8)

A pirate pony with blue and pinkish-green flames as his head appeared, brandishing a blood-red sword.

(RC) (S.EXCD) (Blueblood)

(RC) (EvilShd) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 0/3

Soul: 8

"Shade boosts, and I activate his skill! Top two cards, walk the plank!" said Pipsqueak, sending Commodore Blueblood and Dandy Guy, Romario to the drop zone. "Spirit Exceed attacks for 20000 Power!"

"I don't guard."

"Drive check! First, Critical get! Critical to vanguard, power to Blueblood." Pipsqueak added a card to his hand. "Second check, no trigger."

"Damage checks... Draw triggers." Scootaloo smiled at the two Cat Rogues. (Hand: 5, Damage: 1/3)

"Well, that be the end of me turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/3)

"My turn, stand and draw." Scoots raised a card in the air by lightly flapping her wings. "Ride! The demonic dragon lord of the netherworld has risen! Stand up my vanguard! COVERT DEMONIC DRAGON, MANDALA LORD!!!

The ninja dragon teleported to he front, with six kunai in its hands while six seals floated behind it.

"And Call! Stealth Fiend, Oboro Cart! I use his skill to call Million Rat!" A demonic face on a wheel appeared, multiplying Million Rat. "But during the end phase, the called unit returns to the bottom of my deck!"

(Left.Arrst) (C.D.D.Mandala Lord) (Right.Arrst)

(Million Rat) (Oboro Cart) (Million Rat)

Hand: 4, Damage: 2/3

"Oboro Cart boosts Mandala Lord's attack at 17000 Power!"

"I nullify it with Gust Jinn!" Pipsqueak discarded a copy of Basskirk, and a roguish pirate pony appeared, blowing a storm to negate the exploding kunai Mandala Lord threw down. (Hand: 3, Damage: 0/3)

"Twin drive check... Critical! All to Leftie! Second... No trigger." Scootaloo rested Left Arrestor and its booster. "They come at you for 22000 Power and 2 Criticals!"

"No guard, damage check... Critical trigger. Power and effect to vanguard. Second check, no trigger. We be sailin' on dangerous waters!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/5)

"Million boosts-"

"I guard with Rough Seas Banshee. Can ya end yer turn now?"

"Grrr... Fine. Turn end." Scootaloo had him at 5 Damage. But why would he get that much sou- Oh crud! (Hand: 6, Damage: 2/3)

"My turn. Time to finish her off! FINAL TURN!!!" The crowd and Team Crusader gasped at the term's mention. "Ride! King of Demonic Seas, open up the gate to The Sea of Monsters! Come, BASSKIRK!!! Soulcharge!"

The squid-pony appeared once more, but was surging with power.

"Now, stronger that ever, activate the strongest skill the seven seas have ever known! Open, BERMUDA GATE!!!! MEGABLAST THE VANGUARD!!!"

A giant circle of blue energy appeared, flipping over all of Pip's damage and sending all but one (since his soul was 9.) card to the drop zone.

"Now, Call! Two copies of Dandy Guy, Romario and one Commodore Blueblood!!!"

(Blueblood) (Basskirk) (Blueblood)

(Romario) (EvilShd) (Romario)

Hand: 3, Damage: 5/5

"Now, boosted by Evil Shade who activates his skill to send two cards to Davy Jones' locker, Me vanguard makes a pass at yer with 22000 Power!"

"No guard."

"What!? Ya idjit!" Apple Bloom silently said, as Sweetie was getting a grip on her cards.

Huh? It's this feeling again... Sweetie said, picking up a few stray cards in her side deck. I'll put you and another Alfred. I have a good feeling...

"Twin drive! Critical! Crit to vanguard, power to Blueblood!" Pip tapped the card on Blueblood. "Second check... Heal trigger! Power to my other Blueblood, and I heal!" (H: 5, D: 4/4)

"Hmmm...."

"Romario boosts, Blueblood attacks at 23000!"

"Mandala Lord's skill! PERSONA BLAST, MY VANGUARD!!! THE HATEFUL SIX WORLDS APPROACH, MANDALA JAIL!!!, I also guard with Leaf Raccoon!" (Hand: 4, Damage: 2/5)

"Again, but with my other column!"

"Moon Edge and Cat Rogue guard!" (Hand: 2, Damage: 2/5)

"Well, ye survived the ocean's tempest, but can ya survive another assault? Turn end." (H: 5, Damage: 4/4)

"And with that, Pipsqueak's Final Turn has failed, but will Scootaloo manage to finish it this turn!?"

"Tch... My turn. Stand and draw." Scoots laughed at the card she drew. "ALL OR NOTHING, FINAL TURN!!!"

"Oh wow! A double declaration of Final Turn! Well, let's see who wins this interesting match!"

Somewhere far, yet near by...

"Interesting, my hoof." said Diamond Tiara, who was watching from a special viewing room with Silver Spoon and Midnight.

"Ah ah ah. Patience is a virtue, Di." teased Midnight, making Silver Spoon giggle. Diamond Tiara raised an eyebrow.

Back to the match...

It looked like the match had gone longer than expected, with Scootaloo's Final Turn failing, surviving the next turn and, currently, attacking.

"The finishing blow! Slash everything, BINDING BLADE!!!"

An unseen unit stabs Basskirk with its dark cyan blade, pulsing with energy as the sixth card lands on Pip's damage zone.

"Well, I lose. See ya later, Scoot!" said Pip as he went back to his teammates.

"Well, that was intense; I can't believe I had to pull out that guy on him." Scootaloo said to her teammates minus Spark, who were also surprised she'd use that unit. It was her last resort. "But, we now have a chance! Apple Bloom! Win this!"

"Dang straight Ah am!" Apple Bloom said as the announcer said the third match was between her, and some unicorn colt named Spice Dice.

Sweetie, however, almost mechanically took a look at her cards and said,

"I'm gonna get stronger."

Author's Note

*Get the reference? Also, point out any grammatical errors, spelling errors, etc. Thanks!
Also, expect Megacolony, Nova Grapplers, Royal Paladins, Dark Irregulars, Spike Brothers, Pale Moon, etc. and another fan-favorite clan in the upcoming chapters!

Ride 012 - The Shadow Appears

"Brutal Jack attacks!" Apple Bloom was fighting a cyan colt with glasses and a bowl haircut. She rested Jack, whoin turn shot a beam at a golden bug-centaur.

"I guard with Paralyze Madonna!" The colt, who was named Spice Dice, put a card with the same bug-centaur in the drop zone as he put another card on the Guardian Circle, making an insectoid pony appear and use its reflective spores to nullify the attack.

Sweetie Belle ignored the match as Apple Bloom sent a giant blue robot out to shoot the centaur with multiple lasers, sending a sixth card to the damage zone.

"And with that, Team Crusader wins their second round!"

"Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo! Did ya see me win!?" said her ecstatic teammate as she galloped to her friends.

"Yeah! It was awesome! And now, we get to advance to the semi-finals! Right, Sweets?" Scootaloo looked expectantly at he filly, who had a hollow look in her eyes.

"... What? Sorry, I didn't watch it." she said, shocking both of her teammates.

"WHAT!? How could you not watch it!?" Scootaloo continued to scold her, but she just blanked it all out.

Picture it in my mind, huh... How'd that colt do that? And what was that about me falling into the shadows...? And my friends think I'm strong... Right?

"SWEETIE BELLE!!!" Scootaloo yelled, only to be responded to by the filly blankly staring at her. "Are you even listening!?"

"Don't worry Scoot! It's okay that she didn't see mah win." Apple Bloom looked concerned. "Sweetie Belle, are ya feelin' off today? If you are, that's not a prob-"

"I'm fine! Do you ponies really think I'm that weak!?" she suddenly yelled, catching both her friends and Spark off guard. "... Sorry. That just came out."

"S-sweetie Belle, are ya sure yer okay!?" Apple Bloom said, even more worried.

"Yeah! We could always y-you know... Sub?" Scootaloo offered.

"... I'm fine. I just need a walk." Sweetie left the area, leaving two worried mares and an interested colt behind.

Somewhere back in Ponyville...

Twilight Sparkle had just finished ordering her sla- I mean, number one assisstant to go out and fetch some quills, when she heard the door knocking.

"Hello, who is it- Oh! Rarity, what brings you here?" she asked the mare, who's eye was twitching.

"Darling... Have you seen Sweetie Belle!? She isn't in the boutique,or at Sweet Apple Acres! What if she was kidnapped!. THIS IS THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" Rarity pulled a couch from Celestia knows where, and pretend-fainted as Twilight just rolled her eyes.

"Applejack said she and the other Crusaders went to Canterlot. With a colt." Twilight said. Suddenly, thoughts of Canterlot burning and The Crusaders doing sketchy things crossed both their minds. "Oh buck."

"WHAT!? WHAT IF-"

"Applejack also said something about her sister competing in the VF Regionals, whatever that is."

"VF Regionals!? What sort of game is this!?"

Rainbow Dash suddenly burst through the library ceiling and said, "Anyone say VF Regionals!?"

"Rainbow Dash! Use the door!" Twilight scolded. "And what do you know about the "VF Regionals"!?"

"Well, let me explain the game first; Vanguard is a TCG created by Bushipone, which also created Weiß Schwarz and other games. Vanguard is the game where YOU, as the 'Vanguard', command an army of units to try and bring down the enemy's forces." Rarity and Twilight's jaws dropped at the detailed explanation, provided by the team's 'arrogant jock with a heart of gold' kind of pony. "The Vanguard himself only has two powers; One, to call allies to battlefield, as the Vanguard is useless without them. The second is to perform 'Drive' or 'Damage' checks, which can change the fate of the battle itself."

"H-how'd you know so much about a trading card game?" Twilight asked. "And since when did you use words like that!?"

"Read the manual." Rainbow Dash shrugged, causing Twilight to groan and facehoof.

"Anyways, what does this all have to do with Sweetie Belle!? And that dirty colt!?"

"She's competing in the tournament, and that 'dirty colt' who actually doesn't give a buck about her, or socializing at all, is her teammate." Rainbow Dash explained.

"Then what the hay are we waiting for!? Let's go to Canterlot! I already have the tickets!" Rarity said, levitating three tickets.

"Huh. Well that was a Deus Ex Machina." muttered Rainbow.

"What?"

"Uhh... Nothing!"

"Hiya guys!" said a random pink pony behind Dash.

"GAH! Pinkie!? Are comi-"

"Silly Dashie, of course! Let's go get Fluttershy now!" The hyper pink pony bounced off. "And don't worry, I'm paying for me and Flutters' tickets!"

"This day just keeps getting better and better..." Rarity mumbled.

Meanwhile, back to our heroine, who's wandering in the lobby...

"Hey Sweetie Belle!" A familiar voice chimed.

Sweetie turned to see a certain orchid filly, who was trotting towards her. "Dinky!? What are you doing here!?"

"Oh! We're competing." Dinky just smiled at Sweetie's shock.

"But I thought you didn't make it!" Dinky shook her head.

"There were last minute qualifiers. Too bad, you couldn't see my match since you were busy with yours." Dinky pointed at the screen. "Well, at least you can watch our team leader's match."

Sweetie Belle turned and saw a shocking sight. Rocket Blaze and Midnight Storm were fighting, with Midnight using a black knight with twin swords as his vanguard, and Rocket having a giant blue robot with a golden and red shield in one hand, sword on the other.

"Daiyusha attacks at 22000 Power and 2 Critical, boosted by Daisy!" The Robot charged, its sword gathering energy.

"This is boring." Midnight sighed. "I guard with Dark Shield, Mac Lir."

"Grrr... Turn end."

"My turn, stand and draw!" Midnight smiled at Rocket and said. "Final Turn."

"What!?" said Dinky, Sweetie Belle and Rocket at the same time.

"Cleave everything, darkness that is the rightful ruler of the Sanctuary! Ride the vanguard! The Dark Dictator!" A blast of darkness covered the knight, leaving nothing as it dissipated. Suddenly, a shadow rose to its feet. And it was... KING ALFRED!?

"WHA!? Isn't that the King of Knights!?" Sweetie said, shocked at the armor's dark gray color and lifeless eyes.

"No. That's The Dark Dictator, a mere copy of the King." Dinky explained. "He was created through black magic, by some sort of demonic dragon."

"Also, his skill activates! Open the gates of Tartarus, and release the souls of the damned! CHAOS ENERGY BREAK!!!"

"My front row rear-guards get Power +5000, and The Dictator himself gets Power +2000 for every Shadow Paladin rearguard!" The Dark Dictator's power went up to 20000, signifying his extreme similarity to the King.

Shadow Paladins... Sweetie Belle pondered. ... They look strong...

"Now, The Dark Dictator attacks!" The demonic pony-king swung its dark blade at the root.

"Guard, Diamond Ace!"

"Trigger check..." Midnight revealed a card with a black eagle. "Death Feather Eagle. All effects to my Avatar."

This surprised Sweetie Belle, as there were no units on the field, only pitch black.

"Charon boosts Rugos, attack Daiyusha." Midnight was pointing at the blue robot.

"Tch... Guard with Justice Cobalt!"

"Finally... Crush light into nothingness, my avatar! Awaken from the shadows, Blaster Dark." As these words were uttered, a totally black version of Blaster Blade appeared, wielding a different sword.

"WHAT!?" Sweetie Belle yelled, startling Dinky. "They even have their own Blaster!?"

T-this clan... the similarities to my own Royal Paladins... Even a Blaster... Could it be...?

"Blaster Dark attacks."

"N-no guard." The top two cards of his deck were sent to the damage, none of them a Heal Trigger, completing the set of six.

"Well, you lose. Ta-ta, weakling!" And with that Midnight returned to his teammates, the annoying bully duo.

"And with that, Team Foo Fighter PSY crushes Team Justice!"

Rocket came out of the room, and seeing Sweetie and Dinky, "Hey there! Long time no see. I've seen you've learned how to control Garmore?"

"Hehe... Well, not yet."

"Okay! Anyways, what to do next?"

"Well, you can start by getting stronger." said a filly behind him. It was a light yellow pegasus with a bright lavender mane.

"Alula!?" Dinky said, surprised. "Why are you here!?"

"You know it, and it's none of your concern. And you," she glared at Sweetie Belle. "I won't forgive anyone who calls Diamond-neechan those mean things."

As the filly turned away, she gulped.

I think I just made a very bad enemy.

Ride 013 - Diamond Tiara's Number One Fan

Sweetie Belle thought of Alula's semi-threat. Alula used to use Royal Paladins, just like me... But I wonder... Did she change her build? It would be normal if she did, and any standard build that she'd use, I'd have a pretty good clue at the deck's weak points...

Apple Bloom waved her hoof in front of Sweetie Belle's face. "Uh, Equestria tah Sweetie Belle? Are ya alright there?"

"Hmm? Yeah, just deciding on how to kick Alula's flank." she said absentmindedly, making Apple Bloom and and Scootaloo's jaws drop. "What? Is it something I said?"

"N-Nah! Don't worry about it!" Scootaloo said, as her match was already done. "J-Just make sure you win!"

"Well, I'll do my best!" Sweetie said as she trotted to the platform, clutching her deck.

"Who do we have here... Hmmm?" Alula said to Sweetie Belle as oth put their SVGs faced down. "I'll make you regret insulting her. I am her wife, after all."

Back at the tower area...

"Looks like you have an admirer, Tiara." Midnight said, smiling. Diamond Tiara just snorted.

"Oh please. It's normal for a popular filly like me to have fans." she retorted.

"But half of the brony fanbase hate you!" Midnight said, showing some statistics. "And what some of the other half want to do with you is plain creepy."

"What are you talking about?" Diamond Tiara was pissed. What the hell were these 'bronies' that he kept referring to since they met? Why did they hate her? Not that she'd care or anything, but...

"Let's just watch the match. This will prove to be an interesting one." Midnight said. "Also, where's Silvy?"

"Probably doing some last minute... Ah... training."

Back to the Cardfight...

"Stand up..."

"... the..."

"... VANGUARD!!!" They flipped over the cards, revealing a blue dog and a robotic dog with wheels on its sides.

**********

"Must... resist... making... my sides... joke." Midnight said, making Diamond Tiara snort.

**********

"Brugal the Vanguard*!" Some of the audience were surprised by the new chant, but a few just snorted.

"Drangal! Hmmm... We're using the same clan, but don't forget. I'm basically your superior in this game."

"I go first, draw!" Sweetie Belle placed a card on the Vanguard Circle. "Ride! Lake Maiden, Lien! Brugal moves to the lower left Rear-Guard Circle, and I activate Lien's skill to draw!"

Sweetie Belle put a copy of Wingal into the drop, and drew a card resembling a white pony-knight wielding a spear/javelin.

"Turn end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/0)

"My turn, draw." The pegasus touches Drangal with her hoof, making it glow blue. "At the beginning of my ride phase, I look at the top five of my deck, look for a card named 'Knight of Quests, Galahad', and I ride it, putting the rest to the bottom of my deck."

Looking through the top five, she found the card and rode it, replacing the dog with a pony-knight with a long white mane holding a double grip sword.

"Now, I call Marron behind!"

(RC) (G1,Galahad) (RC)

(RC) (Marron) (RC)

(Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Marron boosts, Galahad attacks the vanguard!"

"I don't guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Checking the drive trigger!" Alula reveals a white owl with a glowing yellow sign. "Alabaster Owl! Critical trigger, all to my vanguard!"

"Damage check... Draw trigger! Power to my vanguard! Second... No trigger." The knight sung his sword at the maiden, causing her to ripple as the blade passed through. (Damage: 0/2)

"Well, that's it." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle raised a card in the air, which was glowing bright blue. "Wielder of the 'Blaster' spear, serve the King of Knights! Ride the vanguard! BLASTER JAVELIN NORMALLY!!!"

A white pony-knight, wearing some armor appeared, wielding a white and blue spear.

"Hmm...? A new Royal Paladin? This should be interesting..." Alula gripped one card in her hand harder than the rest.

"His skill! I put two cards in my hand into the soul, and I get to Superior Call two High Beasts! Snogals, come out!" Sweetie put two Snogals on her Rear-Guard Circles, exchanging one with Brugal (in terms of position).

(Brugal) (BlasterJN) (RC)

(Snogal) (Marron) (Snogal)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2

"Marron boosts Javelin's attack!" (POW: 17000)

"I guard with Alabaster Owl!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Drive trigger check! No trigger!" Javelin Normally jumped and pointed the spear at Galahad, shooting a ball of lightning. The attack was guarded by a white owI that manifested a golden shield.

"Snogal boosts Brugal for an attack with 11000 Power!"

"Damage trigger check." Alula revealed a Margal. "Draw Trigger! Power to vanguard, and I draw!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/1)

"Well... That's turn end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"Dang... 'Lula's got her on the ropes." Apple Bloom said.

"Well, not that much, considering it's only a one damage difference." Scootaloo replied, but with uncertainty. "Then again, one damage can mean everything late game, and it's currently Alula's move."

"My turn. Stand and draw." Galahad began glowing blue. "Galahad's skill! Checking the top five... Here it is! Ride, Knight of Tribulations, Galahad! And I call! Knight of Silence, Gallatin! Young Pegasus Knight!"

(Gallatin) (G1,Galahad) (RC)

(YPK) (Marron) (Margal)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/1

Alula declared her first attack. "Marron boosts, Galahad attacks!" (POW: 17000)

"I don't guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"Drive trigger check..." Alula revealed a card with the illustration of a blue and white dragon. "No trigger."

"Damage trigger check!" Sweetie sent a copy of Beast Knight, Garmore to the damage. (Damage: 0/3)

"Now, Pegasus Knight boosts, Gallatin attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"I guard with Epona!" (POW: 16000 < SLD: 19000)

"Tch... That's the end of my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1)

"My turn! Stand and draw!" Sweetie felt herself being enveloped by a kind of... aura. It was weird at best, and near burning painful at worst. Use me if you want to win..., she thought she heard a voice say. She ignored it, and said, "Stand up, King of the Beasts! Tear through the darkness with your golden fangs, FANG OF LIGHT, GARMORE!!!"

A golden knight appeared, wielding his twin claws of gold. Yelling, a golden wolf spirit partially manifested.

"I call! High Dog Breeder, Akane! Replace Barcgal, and her skill! Counterblast, Superior Call Snogal! Also, Snogal from my hand; Call!"

(Akane) (FoL,Garmore) (Snogal)

(Snogal) (Snogal) (Snogal)

Hand: 3, Damage: 2/3

"Snogal boosts, Akane attacks!" (POW: 18000)

"No guard. Damage check, no trigger!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"Snogal boosts, Garmore attacks at 23000 Power!"

"I nullify it with Flash Shield, Iseult!" (Hand: 3)

"Twin Drive! First check, Critical get! All to Snogal! Second check." Sweetie Belle revealed a copy of King of Knights, Alfred. "No trigger. Now, Snogal attacks with a boost!" (POW: 23000, Critical: 2)

"I don't guard. First damage... Yggdrassil Maiden, Elaine! HEAL GET! All to Vanguard." Alula placed her hoof on the top of her deck. "Second check... Draw trigger! All to vanguard, and I draw!" (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/4)

**********

"Huh, she seems more subdued today." Midnight said, sounding bored. "I thought you said she usually obssesses about you and stuff."

"Oh, you haven't seen her until she's gonna use that card." Diamond Tiara said, smirking.

"Oh? Please let it be more interesting than that looping video of the Bearers sliding into boxes." Midnight said, raising an eyebrow.

**********

"Hey girls! We're finally here!" Rainbow Dash motioned to her friends to go inside. "And it looks like Sweetie Belle's fighting!"

"WHAT!?" Rarity sped to the main lobby and saw her sister on the small CrystalVision in control of a handsome (in her perspective, anyway) white knight carrying a glowing blue and white sword.

"Ouch! That's gotta hurt!" Dash said as a knight with long hair on a flying motorcycle sped towards a golden knight with claw-blades and swung a sword at him, landing two damamge in and causing Garmore to cough up some blood.

"Hey! Ain't that their teammate, Spark-whatsit?" Applejack pointed to a green maned, white colt, who was reading tournament brochures(!?).

Rarity stomped towards the colt before anypony (except Fluttershy, who was squeaking) could stop her. "YOU! You've got a lot of nerve involving my sister in this... uncouth game of yours!"

"Hmmm? Excuse me, but who are you?" Spark said, surprising the Mane Six.

"You know who we are! I'm Sweetie Belle's sister, Rarity! You will stop this fancy charade of yours and tell us why you involved our sisters!" Rarity said, now in full rage mode, grabbing the colt by the neck area.

"Rarity! Yah maht wanna listen to what he'll say!" Applejack said, pretty concerned for the colt's well being.

Twilight was trying to pry Rarity off the colt. "Umm, Rarity? He probably has a logical explanation for this! Right?"

"Whoa there, chillax Rares."

"Chillax? CHILLAX!?" Rarity yelled gripping the colt's neck area harder and making Fluttershy squeak. "THIS COLT INVOLVED MY-"

"We get it. Can you shut up now, you stuck-up drama queen?" said the colt suddenly, getting out of the choke and making the Mane Six's jaws drop. "You know I can have you arrested for assault, right?"

"WHY YOU RUDE LITTLE-"

"And regarding your sister, I don't really give that much a buck about her. She joined the team since she topped the qualifiers back in Ponyville, like my other teammates. Get some research in before you assume stuff." He said, turning around and leaving. "And The Bearers of Harmony. Friendship, my flank."

"Hmph! Did you see that rude-"

"WHAT. THE. HAY, RARITY! You could've gotten us arrested!" said Rainbow Dash.

Applejack was righteously pissed. "And even worse, ya literally assaulted him! What in tha name of mah dead Aunt Apple Cheesecake possessed you to attack tha poor colt!?"

"Yeah! I mean, seriously. We could've talked it out!" Twilight agreed. "You can't just go attacking ponies like that!"

"WHAT!? But he-"

"-Was just a teammate. Really, Rarity." Fluttershy said, surprising everypony with the strict tone.

"Fine. I admit we could have talked more civilly." Rarity said, as everypony rolled their eyes. "But can you really blame me? Seeing my sister with a colt? During that stage?"

"Heya guys! What just happened? Did Rarity become a meany-pants and nearly beat up the colt you we were talking about earlier?" said Pinkie, popping out from a potted plant.

Rainbow facehoofed. "Yes, Pinkie."

"Well? Why'd ya do it, Rares?" Pinkie said, suddenly nudging Rarity. "Look, now he thinks the Bearers are meanies!"

"W-Well! My actions were justified!" Rarity defended.

"Beating up an innocent pony is legal?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "If so, Ah don't wanna live on Equestria no more."

"Well, we'll see him later anyway. Let's go to the public team lobby rooms and wait for them." Twilight motioned to a lobby near a door with a plaque saying 'Team Crusader'.

**********

Sweetie's field

(Blaster Blade) (Fang of Light, Garmore) (Snogal)

(Snogal) (Snogal) (Snogal)

Hand: 2 Damage: 4/4

Meanwhile on the other field...

Alula's field (Current)

(G2.Galahad) (G3.Galahad) (Gallatin)

(Marron) (Marron) (Knight Squire, Alen)

Hand: 3, Damage: 4/5

Soul: 6

"My turn. Stand and draw!" Alula grinned at the card. "Diamond-neechan! This will be the card that will make you LOVE me! FINAL TURN!!!"

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in shock at both the love confession and the 'Final Turn'.

**********

"Tharr she blows!" said Midnight, a smile creeping onto his face, while Diamond shuddered at the implications.

**********

"Appear, guardian dragon of the Sanctuary! Purify everything with the ever-blessed holy light!" Alula raised the card into the air. "Stand up and roar! LOVE LOVE RIDE!!! SOUL SAVER DRAGON THE VANGUARD!!!"

A white and blue dragon appeared, wings like disappearing vapor. It was motioning some mysterious signs with her hand/claws.

"SOULBLAST SKILL ACTIVATES!!!" Alula yelled, causing the dragon to project a lot of light. "HOLY CHARGING ROAR!!! POWER TO MY FRONT ROW REAR-GUARDS AND ALEN!!!"

Sweetie Belle thought about her options. Oh hay! I don't have enough to guard it all! I need to bet in a Heal Trigger!

Alula smiled. "Twin drive check! First, check..." Alula revealed a filly on a golden beetle. "EPONA! CRITICAL GET!!! CRIT TO VANGUARD, POWER TO MY REAR-GUARD GRADE 2 GALAHAD!!! THE POWER OF LOVE COMPELS YOU TO LOSE!!!"

Shoot. I NEED a Heal Trigger!

"Second check... ALABASTER OWL!!! CRITICAL GET!!! CRIT TO MY VANGUARD, AND POWER TO GALLATIN!!!"

"D-damage check..."

C'mon...

"Heal trigger get!"

O-Ok... Only one more...

"Second... No trigger."

Let's finish this!

"T-third... N-No trigger... I lose." Sweetie Belle/Garmore got blasted by a ray of energy coming from the holy beast.

"Like I said! Even if you aren't the one who insulted my fillyfriend... I'd still beat you!" Alula smiled as she turned and left. "Still, sorry for the misconception."

"Sorry guys..."

"D-don't worry! Apple Bloom will win the last match." Scootaloo said, trying to maintain her composure at her friend's losing streak.

"Dang straight Ah-" Spark Light came in and whispered something to AB, making her eyes widen. "OH SHOOT!!! OUR SISTERS AND THE OTHERS ARE HERE!!!"

"WHAT!?" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said in unison.

"RAINBOW DASH IS HERE!?"

"RARITY IS HERE!?"

"Along with the other Bearers." continued Apple Bloom, and she gulped. "And it looks like Rarity attacked Spark, too."

"WHAT!? I'msosorrypleaseforgiveme-" Sweetie said to Spark, who cut her off.

"Don't say anything else. She was just acting like a big sister should. I may have said... not so nice things to her, though." Spark said. "I'll finish this guy off. You go meet your sisters."

The three were surprised at this, but chose not to say any more as they ran to the lobby.

"Thanks!" Sweetie said as she ran by Spark.

"Don't mention it." Spark whispered when the fillies were gone. He went up to the stage and put on his Vanguard Fight Glove-Arm Braces, thinking about the match.

Hmph. And I was just supposed to relax this round.

Author's Note

*Here's how they say the manga chants on Mangafox, and similar websites.:
"Stand up my avatar! Ride! Blaster Blade the Vanguard!" - Aichi Sendou
"Reduce all to ashes! Ride! Dragonic Overlord the Vanguard!" - Toshiki Kai

Blaster Javelin Normally's skill, thanks to cardfight.wikia.com, but edited by me:
Power: 9000
Grade 2//Intercept
Card Effect(s)
[AUTO]:[Put two <> from your hand into your soul] When this card is placed on (VC) or (RC), if you have a <> vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, call two <> from your deck to (RC), and shuffle your deck.

Also, if you don't know, google the Senpai-Kōhai system.

Ride 014 - Round 1: Demons of the Abyss, Awaken!

The three Crusaders went inside their room, seeing The Mane Six waiting for them.

"Sweetie Belle! Where have you been!? How could you NOT tell me you went to Canterlot!?" Rarity asked, annoyed.

"Well, you were busy." retorted her sister. "And you know how pissed you can get when your work is interrupted and stuff. Remember the Sisterhooves Social incident?"

Rarity and most of the group flinched. "W-Well! At least you should have told the others about it!"

"Well, you didn't tell me you were gonna beat up the guy who basically gave me a boost in my self-esteem three years ago!" Sweetie Belle said, sounding annoyed. "I mean, seriously!?"

Well, that caught everyone off guard.

"H-hold it up you two!" Applejack said, trying to mediate. "This isn't the place to start this. Can't it wait 'till the end of the day?"

"Yeah. The girls still have the Championship Finals." Twilight said. "Who are you going up against, anyway?"

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle gulped. "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon."

Somewhere in the building...

"Huh, you done training, Silvy?" asked Diamond Tiara as her friend slid off her VF Gloves leaving behind a KO'ed opponent. "About time."

"Everything needs to be, like, perfect, remember?" Silver Spoon said. "Besides, even if I lose, you guys will wipe the floor with them."

"True, true." Diamond said. "But have you seen that loser act wierder than usual?"

"Which one?"

"Sweetie Belle. She acts a bit like our so-called leader here."

"Hmmm... Can't say I've noticed it. It'll still be a cakewalk, anyways."

"Me and Midnight will come back after your match. See ya 'till then." They then did that "bump, bump, sugar-lump, rump!" thing they rarely do nowadays before Diamond Tiara left.

Back to our heroines...

"So... Your entire plan to beat those manipulative, scheming fillies is to, 'wing it'?" Rarity stared incredulously at the Crusaders.

"Well, yeah. We don't know their playstyle much, and if anything, Tiara's changed clans again." Scootaloo said.

"Sure, just make sure you beat them in ten seconds flat!" Rainbow said.

"Technically, that's impossible, since during the first turn, you can't attack-" Twilight's lecture was cut short by the Crystal Vision at max volume.

"Dragonic Overlord, finish this! Send him to the depths of hell, ETERNAL FLAME!!! Spark yelled, as the dragon burnt a white pegasus knight who had gray armor to dust.

"And with that, Spark Light end the match! Woo-wee, that match was one-sided, in his favor!" the announcer said. "We can finally proceed to the all-important Finals, which will start in three minutes! Fighters, get your flanks over here!"

"Well, that's my call!" Scootaloo said, getting her deck. "I'm gonna teach them who's boss!"

"Get and early advantage, and spam those cloning shenanigans of yours, squirt!" Rainbow said, giving her a high five, which Scootaloo returned.

Later, in the battlefield....

Scootaloo saw her opponent, Silver Spoon, walk in. She was feeling uneasy about facing her. No, don't think that. I have to beat her at all costs.

"Hmmm? I'm fighting you? Well, this should be interesting." Silver said, face remaining terrifyingly calm. Both players put their SVGs faced down, and drew five cards, then proceeded to redraw.

"Returning three." Scootaloo said.

"No return." Silver replied, shocking Scoots.

When the redraw was finished, they placed their hooves on their SVGs.

"Stand up...."

"... my..."

"... VANGUARD!!!" The field this time was a darkened valley, full of crystals. The sky was filled with storm clouds, and an evil aura was present in the air.

"Stealth Beast, Evil Ferret (G0/5000)!" A white ferret in a purple ninja costume appeared.

"Vermillion Gatekeeper (G0/5000)!" A black pony with a spikey mane appeared.

Dark Irregulars!? Crud! Scootaloo thought.

"My turn. Draw." Silver Spoon added the top card to her hand. "I ride Alluring Succubus (G1/7000). Vermillion Gatekeeper's skill. Soulcharge one card. Succubus's skill. Soulcharge again. I end." (SP Counter - Soul: 3)

"My turn! Draw!" Time to rush her, since she'll get a cruddy early game. "I ride, Stealth Rogue of Silence, Shijimamaru (G1/8000), and Ferret moves! I call, Shijimamaru!"

(Shiji) (Shiji) (RC)

(EF) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"My vanguard attacks!"

"No guard."

"Drive check! No trigger."

"Damage check, no trigger." (Hand: 5, Damage: 1)

"With a boost from Ferret, my rear-guard attacks!"

"No guard. Damage check." Silver Spoon "Hysteric Shirley. Draw trigger, power to the Vanguard and I draw." (Hand: 6)

"Turn end."

"My turn. Draw." Silver Spoon smiled a little. "I ride, Gwynn the Ripper (G2/9000)."

An elf-pony with dark grayish-green armor appeared, multiple blades jutting out of his arm.

"Counterblast. Kindly show that rear-guard Shijimamaru the way to hell." Gwynn punched the ninja, with his arm blades spinning like a buzz saw, and reduced it to purple sparkles as it was sent to the drop zone. "Call. Prisoner Beast (G1/8000). Doreen the Thruster (G1/6000). Flirtatious Succubus (G2/9000). I Soulcharge, and Doreen gets an extra 3000 Power."

Three new units appeared. One, a hulking beast covered in chains, another a female elf-pony in black clothing, and the last another Succubus pony, but with lilac hair.

(FSccbs) (GwynntR) (RC)

(DreentThrstr) (PrisnrBST) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 2 flipped/2 total

SP Counter - Soul: 5

"Boosted by Doreen, Succubus attacks your vanguard." (POW: 18000)

"No guard." Scootaloo sent a copy of Mandala Lord to the damage, wincing. (Hand: 5, Damage: 1)

"Boosted by Prisoner Beast, Gwynn attacks." (POW: 17000)

"I guard with Moon Edge!" (SLD: 18000)

"Trigger check." Silver Spoon revealed a card with a blue elfpony. "Blitzritter, Critical trigger. All to my Vanguard, and the attack breaks through."

"Argh! Damage checks." She revealed Mandala Lord and Midnight Crow, letting them fall to the damage zone.

"Well, that put a dent in your defense." Silver Spoon said, pleased with herself. "Turn end."

"So what? I can still go on the offensive. Stand and draw." Scootaloo beamed at the card she drew. "I ride Stealth Beast, Bloody Mist (G2/10000)! I call, Left Arrester, Right Arrester!"

"Hmm? You still run those two?" asked Silver Spoon, surprised. "You do know that they're detrimental to the deck you're trying to build, right?"

"Shut up!" Scootaloo retorted. "What do you know, anyway!?"

"I know that you could've used White Mane or something." Silver sighed. "Well, no use talking sense into a dodo."

"What the hell did you say!?" Scootaloo yelled. "I'll show you!"

Back in the waiting room...

"Oh dang! Scoots, yer falling inta her trap!" Apple Bloom yelled, worried. "At this rate, she'll lose!"

"It's a simple plan, really." Twilight said. "Angering Scootaloo to make more reckless and neglect her defenses."

"We need to help!" Sweetie said, but Rainbow just put a hoof on her shoulder. "Rainbow...?"

"She'll get through it. I know Scoots."

Back to the match...

Scootaloo's field

(Leftie) (Mandala Lord) (Righty)

(RC) (Leaf Raccoon) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 1/4

Silver Spoon's field (Current Turn)

(FSccbs) (Demon Eater) (EmblemMSTR)

(DtS) (Prisoner Beast) (Blue Dust)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/4 (via twin Heal Triggers)

SP Counter - Soul: 10

"My turn. Stand and draw." Silver Spoon smiled. "Let's finish this. The outcome has already been decided by Fate itself! FINAL TURN!!!"

"Say what!?" Scootaloo said.

Back at the room...

"What!?" All of them except Rainbow gasped.

Rainbow's flashback...

Hey Rainbow Dash, do you believe I'll ever be able to fly? A younger Scootaloo said, sounding very sad.

Aw hay, I'm not that good with advice... So... Ah! I got it! Rainbow said, giving her a noogie. Don't believe in the me that believes in you, believe in yourself! When faced with the impossible, SCREW LOGIC UP!!! AND MAKE A CURBSTOMP BATTLE OUTTA IT!!!

Scootaloo beamed at Rainbow Dash in admiration. Thanks, Dash! But... How am I gonna fight fate?

Dash snorted. Screw that! You forge your own destiny!

Scootaloo smiled even wider. So... You'll teach me how to fly!?

Rainbow smiled back. Sure, squirt. Wanna get some milkshakes at Sugarcube Corner in the meantime?

Heck yeah!

Rainbow's flashback ends...

Squirt... Don't forget what I told you three years ago! Believe in yourself! Not in the you who believes in me, not the me who believes in you. Believe in the you who believes in yourself! Rainbow thought.

Back to the match...

She hasn't made her move yet. Scoots thought. She's thinking it through...

"Screaming through the darkness, my avatar!" Silver Spoon suddenly yelled, raising a card into the air, and slamming it down on the Vanguard Circle. "Devouring souls, destroying the surface! The Demon World Marquis is here! RIDE!!! DEMON WORLD MARQUIS, AMON!!!"

A black demon appeared, with an insectoid face with horns, pincers and a single blue eye, six blood-red claws instead of hooves, a giant eye on its stomach with blue fire, and meaty crimson wings flapping to keep it airborne. Roaring, it landed on the ground, shattering numerous crystals. (G3/10000)

"Amon's skill! Counterblast, and I send Blue Dust to the soul! Banishing another to the underworld, burn everything with pitch-black flames! INFERNO RITUAL!!!" Amon absorbed Blue Dust through his eye-stomach, then shot a wave of black flames at Leaf Raccoon, who Scoots had chosen to retire.

"Chain! Doreen gets 3000 extra Power! Again, but first I call Demon Eater (G3/10000)! Then I activate Inferno Ritual once more!" Amon repeated the process, but with Demon Eater put in the soul and Leftie the one retired. "Doreen's skill again! She gains another 3000 Power!" (Hand: 2, Damage: 2/4)

She's going all-out, huh? Scoots thought. Let's see where this is going...

"I call! Hysteric Shirley! Her skill! Into the soul, and I get to Soulcharge! Doreen's skill, boosting her Power to 18000!" Silver Spoon smirked.

"And there you have it folks! Silver Spoon's special move! The Insane-Number Boost! Too bad she didn't get to call Doreen behind the vanguard." said the announcer. "Let's see how Scootaloo can defend THAT!"

"Now, for the ultimate skill of my Dark Irregulars! Demon of the underworld, unleash your true power!" Silver yelled, surprising the audience, "SPECTRE INFERNO WAVE!!! AMON GETS 1000 POWER FOR EVERY CARD IN THE SOUL, MAKING HIS CURRENT POWER 24000!!!"

"WHAT!? THAT'S INSANE!!!" Scootaloo yelled, shocked at the amount of Power Amon could get to.

"As I said a bit earlier, fate has already decided this match." Sliver Spoon said, smirking. "And don't forget I have another attack at 27000 Power. Give up." (Hand: 1, Damage: 2/4)

"I'll... I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!!!" Scootaloo yelled, angry. "COME AT ME, SILVY!!!"

"Hey! Only Di gets to call me that." Silver Spoon rested Emblem Master. "Emblem attacks Right Arrester."

"No guard!" Scootaloo placed her other Arrester in the drop zone.

"Now, with a boost from Beast, Amon attacks at 32000 Power!"

"I nullify with Stealth Beast, Leaves Mirage!" Scootaloo sent a copy of Right Arrester to the drop zone. (Hand: 3, Damage: 1/4)

"Twin drive! First check, another Demon World Marquis. Second check." Silver Spoon revealed a copy of... Blitzritter. "All to Succubus."

The ninja-wolf defended the attack, which was a fireball of darkness, with a cyclone of wind.

"Now, boosted by Doreen, Succubus attacks the vanguard at 32000 Power."

"OUCH! Silver Spoon swings at Scootaloo with TWO attacks of 32000 Power!" The announcer said. "If this attack goes through, the only chance she'd have is a Heal Trigger!"

Scootaloo remained silent.

The room again...

"That's it... We lose..." Sweetie said, saddened. Rainbow patted her on the back.

"No, it's not."

Back to the match...

"I told you. Give up." Silver said. "You can't win."

Scootaloo remained silent. She then revealed another copy of Leaves Mirage as her emotionless face turned into one of glee. "Gotcha."

The room...

"SHE HAS ANOTHER PERFECT GUARD!!!" Sweetie Belle squealed as she hugged Apple Bloom, who said,

"WE AIN'T LOSING THIS JUST YET!!!"

The Bearers looked on at the sight, smiling, especially Rainbow. And then Spark came in.

"... Am I interrupting something?" he said.

Rarity had a bit of trouble controlling her emotions at the sight of him, as he now sported a bruise on his cheek covered by a bandage, which made Sweetie, the other Bearers, and Apple Bloom's jaws drop.

"... I'll just go now." The colt closed the door, as indifferent as ever. All of the ponies left in the room shot a look at Rarity.

"... I'm sorry?"

"... Let's just watch Scoots' match." sighed Sweetie.

Back to the match...

"WHAT!? How could you guard BOTH of them!?" said Silver Spoon, as Scootaloo drew a card.

"Like a mare I know once told me, TO HELL WITH DESTINY!!!" yelled Scootaloo, burning with fury. "FINAL TURN!!!"

Everypony's jaws dropped. At the exact, same, time.

"I RIDE THE VANGUARD!!! DRAGON OF THE SEALING BLADE, SLICE AND DESTROY EVERYTHING!!! STAND UP! DUELING DRAGON, ZANBAKU!!!!" A dark cyan samurai-esque Abyss Dragon appeared, with glowing red eyes. It drew its sword, which was crystalline when seen from afar. "I call! Leaf Raccoon!"

"With a boost from Raccoon, ZANBAKU attacks Amon! BLAZE THROUGH, BLUE FLAME EXPLOSION SLASH!!!"

Silver Spoon looked at her hand, which was Blitzritter, Demon World Marquis, Amon, and Demon Eater. "No guard."

"Twin Drive check! First... Another ZANBAKU... Second...." Scootaloo revealed the top card, which had a glowing yellow symbol on the top right. "Critical get! All to Vanguard!"

"Damage check... First... Draw Trigger! Power to Vanguard, and I draw." Silver look pissed at the card she drew. "Second... No trigger. I lose."

"HECK YEAH!" Scoots flew out of the battle arena, Murakumo deck in hoof. Silver Spoon was just smirking.

"They don't know that I'm the weakest member currently, do they?"

Back in the room...

"THAT. WAS. AWESOME!!!" Rainbow yelled, hugging Scootaloo. They were pretty much celebrating until Apple Bloom said,

"Wait, we haven't won just yet. Ah still need tah face Diamond Tiara, and if all goes well, then we celebrate."

"She's right." Sweetie said. The alarm suddenly piped up, telling themit was time for the next match.

"Good luck, Apple Bloom!" Said Applejack.

"Thanks sis, 'cuz Ah'm gonna need it." Apple Bloom said, walking into the battlefield through the darkened hall.

Sweetie Belle had an uneasy feeling. It's like something's trying to warn me about something, or somepony.

Back at PSY's area...

"Sorry I lost." Silver said casually. "Who thought she'd have two Perfect Guards in hand?"

"I did." said Midnight happily, prompting DT to snort.

"Yeah. Anyways, I'm facing that farm hick, right?

"Eeyup." said Midnight Storm, smiling.

"This should be fun." said Diamond in response, grinning.

Author's Note

We see how hot-blooded Scoots can get. Only Rocket can get to that level of hot-bloodedness, so far. Again, point out any errors in spelling, etc. Thanks!

Ride 015 - Round 2: Pale Moon, Take the Stage!

"Well Tiara, here Ah am." Apple Bloom placed her SVG on the platform she was given. "Ya'll ready to rumble?"

"Sure. As long as you don't make this match a bore." Diamond said, particularly dismissive. Her SVG was already faced down.

"Let's do this! Stand up..." Apple Bloom said.

"Stand up..."

"... VANGUARD!!!" They turned over their First Vanguards, and the battlefield materialized; a circus arena with props everywhere and two spotlights, one for each Vanguard.

"Hades Ringmaster!" A puplr pony with a tophat and mustache appeared, grinning wickedly.

"Blaujunger!" A blue robopony appeared, wielding a shield and assault maser. It shot up in the air immediately after materializing.

Huh!? She uses a dang Pale Moon deck now!? Apple Bloom thought. Isn't that clan in that new expansion set Ah heard? Demonic Lord Invasion, was it... ?

"Hmph. I ride Dark Metal Bicorn. Ringmaster's skill, I Soulcharge." Tiara reveals a card with a red pony wearing a provocative outfit covered in fire, and puts it in the soul. "Turn end." (Hand: 5, SP Counter - Soul: 2, (CBT in soul))

"My turn! Ah draw." Apple Bloom grinned as Blaujunger suddenly glowed. "Ah ride! Blaupanzer (G1/6000), and his passive gives him an extra 2000 Power when 'junger is in the soul! Now, activatin' 'Junger's skill! Ah search for a Blaukluger in mah deck, and add it tah my hand! Now Ah call! Tough Boy (G1/8000)! Dancin' Wolf (G1/7000)!"

(RC) (Bpanzer) (Tough Boy)

(RC) (D.Wolf) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"Tough Boy attacks!"

"I don't guard. Damage trigger check, no trigger." Diamond Tiara sent a card with an illustration of a multi-colored Cerberus to the damage zone.

"Boosted by Wolf, Blaupanzer attacks!" (POW: 15000)

"I don't give a buck. Just drive check already."

"Grrr... Drive check! Critical get! All to Vanguard!" The blue fighter shot a barrage of lasers at the beast, causing it to roar.

"Damage checks... First, no trigger. Second... Aha! A Heal. Power to vanguard, and I heal." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2)

"Ah end mah turn."

"You rush a darn lot, don't you? Stand and draw." Diamond sighed. "Ride, Elephant Juggler (G2/9000)!"

A multi-colored, three headed dog appeared, roaring. "I call! Barking Cerberus (G2/10000)! Skull Juggler (G1/7000)! Skull Juggler's skill! Soulcharge! Then, Elephant Juggler! Soulcharge!" Diamond puts a card with a giant blonde filly and a pink bunny-mare in the soul. (Hand: 3, SP Counter - Soul: 5, (CBT in Soul))

(RC) (EleJgglr) (BarkingCerb.)

(RC) (RC) (SkllJgglr)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/2

SP Counter - Soul: 5, (CBT in Soul)

"Boosted by Skull, Barking Cerberus attacks at 17000 Power!"

"Ah guard with Shining Lady!" (POW: 17000 < SLD: 18000)

"Now, my vanguard attacks at 9000 Power!"

"Ah don't guard!" The three-headed dog tackled the blue robopony, causing an explosion. (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Drive trigger check! Critical! All to my vanguard!"

"Ah damage check, no triggers." Two cards, one each of Brutal Jack and Tough Boy were sent to the damage zone.

"Well, turn end." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2)

"Mah turn! Stand and draw!" Apple Bloom grinned as she placed a card on the Vanguard Circle. "Ah ride. Blaukluger (G2/10000), and I call! Brutal Jack! Tough Boy! I also activate Jack's Counterblast to lose Restraint!"

(BrutalJck) (Blaukluger) (ToughBoy)

(ToughBoy) (DancingWlf) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 1/2

"Boosted by Tough Boy, Jack attacks! Rev it up, Brutal Blaster! Jack gets fired up!" Jack's arms glow green, especially the bladed parts. (POW: 19000)

"I don't guard. Damage check... No trigger." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/3)

"Now, boosted by Wolf, Blaukluger attacks! SHINING BLADE!" The blue robopony's wings suddenly spread, with luminous green particles coming out. It then charged the cerberus, landing a slash on its shoulder. (POW: 17000)

"I guard with Dynamite Juggler!" (SLD: 20000)

"Drive trigger check. No trigger." (Hand: 4)

"Dang it! Turn end." Apple Bloom grunted. (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/2)

"Hmph. Really? That's all the damage you can do in one turn? Pathetic. My turn, stand and draw." Diamond shot a smirk at Apple Bloom, who was scowling. "Ride! Beast of chaos, tamed by the whip of fire! BARKING MANTICORE!!! Using his skill, I draw, and I put Dark Metal Bicorn from my hand into the Soul! Manticore and Turquoise Beast Tamer get 3000 Power since Crimson Beast Tamer is in the soul, bythe way." (SP Counter - Soul: 7)

A red manticore with a white mane appeared, roaring, as it drifted down to the stage using its wings. "I also call! Turquoise Beast Tamer! Mirror Demon! Midnight Bunny! It's showtime!"

(MirrorDmn) (BrkingManticore) (BarkingCerb.)

(MidnightBunny) (TurquoiseBT) (SkullJgglr)

Hand: 1, Damage: 0/3

SP Counter - Soul: 7 (CBT in the Soul)

"Boosted by Bunny, Mirror Demon attacks!" (POW: 15000)

"Ah don't guard. Damage check, no triggers." (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/3)

"I activate Mirror Demon's skill! Counterblast, and into the soul! I Superior Call, Nightmare Doll, Alice (G3/10000)! And using Bunny's skill! Counterblast and into the soul, I Superior Call Bicorn!"

"What!? Ya dang switched out an entire column!" Apple Bloom gasped. She could attack for five times maximum this turn.

"Now, boosted by Bicorn, Alice attacks the vanguard!" (POW: 18000)

"Ah guard with Battleraizer!" (SLD: 20000)

"Now, boosted by Turquoise, Manticore attacks the vanguard!" (POW: 22000)

"Ah don't guard." (Hand: 3, Damage: 1/3)

"Really? You expect to win by taking all that damage? Well, let's see. Twin drive check!" Diamond Tiara revealed the top card, a Pale Moon Draw trigger. The second was a Critical trigger, glowing yellow.

"Ah damage check! First... Draw trigger! Power tah Vanguard, and Ah draw. Second check, critical! Al to mah vanguard!" (SLD: 20000)

"Hmph. I end my turn." Diamond Tiara was wearing a huge grin on her face. (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/3)

"Mah turn! Stand and draw!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Ah'll lose if Ah don't end this now, judging from your expression. So let's do this! FINAL TURN!!!"

Back in the Crusaders' room...

"What!? How can she end it now!? She'd need more or less five attacks to do that!" Sweetie said.

"Ah'm purty sure she can." Applejack beamed. Twilight and the others smiled at her friend's enthusiasm, when suddenly Pinkie burst in, carrying eight tubs of popcorn, eight sodas, and some candy.

"Pinkie!? What? How-" Rainbow Dash looked at where 'Pinkie' was sitting. What she saw was a Pinkie Pie-shaped balloon that the real Pinkie proceeded to pop with a needle she got from Faust knew where.

"Ya know what? I'm not even gonna ask." Applejack shook her head.

Back to the match...

"This should be interesting. Entertain your princess, pleb." Diamond flashed a haughty grin at Apple Bloom.

"Stand and draw." Apple Bloom raised the card she drew in the air. "Blastin' through light and darkness, in the vacuum of space, my vanguard! Shoot down the stars, STERN BLAUKLUGER!!!" (G3/11000, since Blaukluger is in the soul)

The blue robopony suddenly spread its wings, causing it to emit pink particles, and get multiple guns. It's sword disappeared, replaced by two laser rifles on both front hooves.

Tiara's eyes widened. "What!? That unit is a Triple Rare! How the hay did you manage to get that!?"

Apple Bloom smirked. "Well, duh. Booster Packs and Binder Singles. You rich fillies ain't that good in the brain department, huh?"

"Grrr..."

"Anyways, Tough Boy moves back, Ah call Red Lightning! Activatin' his skill! Into the soul, and Ah unflip a damage! Now, rev it up, Jack! Activatin' his Counterblast and Ah call Eisenkugel (G2/10000)!" A blue and white robopony of similar design to Blaukluger appeared, with a mace of some sort on one of its front hooves. "Let's do this!"

(BrutalJck) (Stern Blaukluger) (Eisenkugel)

(ToughBoy) (DancingWlf) (Tough Boy)

Hand: 2, Damage: 1/5

"Boosted by Tough Boy, Jack attacks at 19000 Power! BRUTAL BLASTER!!!" said Apple Bloom as Jack shot a burst of plasma from his mouth.

"I don't guard, damage check, draw trigger! All to Vanguard, and I draw!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/3)

"Boosted by Tough Boy, Eisenkugel attacks at 20000 Power due tah his skill!" The robot fired(!?) the mace, which was apparently rocket-propelled.

"I guard with Dynamite Juggler!" (SLD: 25000)

"Heck yeah! Stern comes in at 18000 Power!"

"Hmph." Diamond Tiara smirked. "No guard."

"I'll wipe that smirk off yer face! Twin drive check! First, Draw trigger! Power tah Stern, and Ah draw!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Second check, stand trigger! Power and effects tah Eisenkugel! (Eisenkugel: [Rest] ==> [Stand], Power: 15000)

"Damage check, no trigger." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/4)

"Now, Stern's skill activates!" Apple Bloom yelled, Stern glowing. "Ah Counterblast two, and send two Nova Grapplers in mah hand to the drop, so Stern and his booster can stand once more! Dancing Wolf's skill, he gets 3000 Power! Breakin' the galaxy, STERNEN BLITZ!!!"

"What!?" Diamond shrieked.

"Boosted by Wolf, Stern Blaukluger attacks at 26000 Power!"

Back at the room...

"Aw hay yeah! AB's got this in the bag!" Scootaloo cheered.

"Not yet, sugarcube." Applejack said, becoming totally serious. "Don't count yer chickens before they hatch."

Back to the match...

"I nullify with Hades Hypnotist." Diamond said, discarding a copy of Nightmare Doll, Alice. The card with a golden shield sign started to glow, manifesting in the form of a red demonpony that was casting a rune to block the onslaught of lasers.

"Drive check! No trigger." Apple Bloom added a copy of Stern to her hand.

"Now, Eisenkugel! Attack!" (POW: 17000)

"I guard with Rainbow Magician." (SLD: 20000)

"Tch... Ah end mah turn."

"My turn, stand and draw." Tiara smiled. "It's time for the princess to put this little show to an end! FINAL TURN!!!"

"Wha!?" Apple Bloom gnashed her teeth.

"Boosted by Dark Metal Bicorn, Alice attacks!" The doll swung her enormous hoof at the robot. (POW: 10000)

"Ah guard with Battleraizer!" (SLD: 21000)

"The finale! Boosted by Turquoise Beast Tamer, Barking Manticore delives an attack to Stern Blaukluger!" (POW: 22000)

Apple Bloom looked at her hand, which was a 5000 Shield unit and a Grade 3. "Ah... Don't guard!"

"Drive trigger check! Critical! As if that was even necessary. The extra Critical to my Vanguard, and Power to my rear-guard, Barking Manticore. Second check, no trigger."

"Ah... Damage... First... BOOYAH! Heal Trigger! Clara, Ah love you! Power to the vanguard, and Ah heal. Second..." Apple Bloom revealed the card. It was The Gong. "Ah... Lose."

"Hmph. Commoner filth like you dare to go against me? Get real." And with that, Diamond Tiara left. Apple Bloom was next to leave, feeling down.

Later, in the room...

"Ah'm sorry, but she just overpowered me. Who dang knew she had a Sentinel in her hand." said Apple Bloom, slamming her hoof on the wall. But the others just smiled at her.

"Don't worry Apple Bloom. Y'all will get back at her someday. Through legal means, of course." Applejack reassured, in a strict tone.

"Yeah! And I'll help ya!" Dash said, making Applejack shoot a look at her and mouthed something like: 'No trucking fer a week', making Dash say, "Uh, as long as it's okay with your sis."

"Thanks..." Apple Bloom said, before looking at Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie, it's all up to ya now."

"I-I know..." Sweetie gulped.

"Sweetie Belle..." Scootaloo sighed, venting some very unpleasant feelings. "Uh... Okay, no pressure, but you have to win this... All our dreams are riding on this, so you have to win, okay?"

Sweetie trembled nervously and managed to stutter, "Uh-Uh... O-okay..."

"Enough pressure on the poor girl already." Rarity said. "She still has to do the deed itself, you know."

"T-thanks, S-sis." Sweetie Belle said before going into the darkened hallway to the arena as the announcer told the Fighters to get their flanks there. "I'm g-gonna win this!"

Then suddenly, the door opened, revealing Spark Light, who was looking at Apple Bloom. "I assume you lost against that spoiled brat?"

Apple Bloom snorted. "Dang straight."

"So. Where's our other member?" he said nonchalantly.

"She is not your 'other member'! You will refer to her as Sweetie Belle, you-" The rest of the Mane Six and Crusaders cut her off with glares, when suddenly Spark spoke up.

"Buck you, Generosity." Spark said, making their jaws drop at his terrifying expression of cold fury. "I don't know nor care what you've got against me, but make one more damn move..."

Rarity froze in her open-mouthed position. "W-well-"

"And if this is about your sister, she's only my teammate, get that fact straight."

Rarity dumbly nodded.

Twilight suddenly put a mental link through the Bearers, allowing telepathic communication.

Uh, Rares, I think you went a bit to far this time. Applejack thought.

DAMN STRAIGHT YOU DID! WHAT THE FREAKIN' BUCK WERE YOU THINKING!? thought... Fluttershy(!?).

Seriously Rarity, you might want to try fixing things with him later... Twilight thought.

I... I suppose so. Rarity thought, feeling downcast. I attacked him... That was very unlady-like of me.

Yeah! I mean, you totally went OOC there! I suppose it was your 'big sis' instincts, right, Arthur? Pinkie thought.

Uh... Pinkie? You're not supposed to break the 4th Wall...

But it's FUUUUUN!

Do you want 'The Master' or something to show up and erase you from existence?

NOOOO! I'll stop now...

Uhh... Pinkie? Who are you talking to? asked/thought Rainbow.

Ohhh... Nopony! Ooooo! It echoes here! Echo! Echo!Echo!

Okay... That was wierd. Now, to the arena!

Sweetie Belle put her Starting Vanguard in the table, while her opponent, the dark gray pegasus called Midnight, suddenly flew from the other team's waiting area, and landed in front of his MF System.

"Well, that was fun. Now." He turned to face Sweetie Belle. "Hi! I'm Midnight Storm! I'll be your opponent, and worst nightmare.

Sweetie was stunned. She suddenly felt a cold, tingling sensation in the back of her mind as her opponent put his Starting Vanguard faced down.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The VF Regional Finals! Team Foo Fighter PSY and Crusader have duked it out, and now here's the final battle! Let's start the cardfight! STAND UP!!!"

"Now, let's do this! Stand up..." Midnight put his hoof on his SVG.

"S-Stand up..." Sweetie did the same to her SVG.

"... the..." both uttered, surprising each other a bit.

"... VANGUARD!!!" The two flipped their cards over, the battlefield being a grassland valley with a full view of the night sky, in which the moon was eclipsed.

"BRUGAL, THE VANGUARD!!!" A blue dog with yellow accents on his face appeared.

"FULLBAU, MY VANGUARD!!!" A black dog with a visor and glowy blue spots across his body appeared.

Now, I'll show you the true meaning of despair... Midnight thought while smiling. It's gonna be fun breaking her.

Author's Note

Point out any mistakes, please. Also, OH CRAP, THE SHADOW PALADINS. D:
Thanks to my prereader, Kamen Writer

Ride 016 - Final Round: Shadow Paladins, Banish the Light!

"BRUGAL, THE VANGUARD!!!"

"FULLBAU, MY VANGUARD!!!"

"My turn! Stand and draw." Midnight was smiling at Sweetie Belle. "You use the Royal Paladin clan, huh? Too bad."

"Too bad? What do you mean?" Sweetie inquired, not letting her guard down.

"Too bad you're using that clan. You'll never reach your full potential." he said, smiling casually. "Anyways, I'll show you what true power is."

Sweetie Belle gulped.

"My turn starts. I draw." Midnight smiled as he put a card on his Vanguard Circle. "Ride the vanguard. Blaster Javelin."

A black pony wearing dark-colored purple armor with glowing blue lines wielding a spear appeared. (G1/8000, since Fullbau is in the soul.)

"Fullbau's skill! I search my deck for a certain card that you'd probably like to see." He searched his deck for a card, which he flashed, shocking Sweetie. "Blaster Dark."

"W-What!?" Sweetie said. The unit matched every detail of the knight she saw in a vision. "B-Blaster Dark!?"

"Well, that's all I can do. Turn end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"M-My turn. Draw." Sweetie gulped. "R-Ride! Little Sage, Marron (G1/8000)!!!"

Sweetie imagined herself as Marron, and Midnight as Blaster Javelin. "Now, I call! Snogal!"

(RC) (LS,Marron) (RC)

(RC) (Snogal) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"Now, boosted by Snogal, the Vanguard attacks!" Sweetie Belle/Marron levitated a book, and cast a spell that shot lightning from her horn. (POW: 14000)

"I guard with Darkside Trumpeter." Midnight/Blaster Javelin put his left front-hoof forward, making a (cute) white pegasus filly with a purple mane (styled in buns). [(SLD: 18000), (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)]

"Checking my drive trigger!" She revealed a copy of her avatar, the white pony knight known as Blaster Blade. "Well... I didn't get a trigger."

"Well, too bad." Midnight snorted. "That was just pathetic."

"Tch... End turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Well, well, well. My turn, draw." Midnight sighed as he used his wing to raise a card in the air. "Plunge everything into despair... MY AVATAR!!!"

The card suddenly began to exude darkness. Sweetie felt a disturbing presence coming closer and closer.

PSY's HQ Room and base of operations...

The two fillies were standing in a dimly-lit room with a giant window, allowing them to see the Cardfight from above.

Diamond Tiara snorted. "He really makes a big deal about riding that card. What's so good about it anyways?"

Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow. "Have you really forgotten about that power?"

"Oh yeah." Diamond said. "He usually wins without using it. Makes you wonder why he said he'd pull out all the stops on that loser, huh?"

"Yeah." Silver agreed. "Even I don't know what that guy's thinking sometimes."

"Anyways, wanna bet who's gonna win?"

"Oh, sure. My money's on Midnight."

"Same. No competition there, at all."

Meanwhile, in the Crusaders' base...

"What!?" Spark yelled, sounding alarmed. "He's going to use that unit!? This early!?"

"What do ya mean?" Apple Bloom said, worried. Rarity looked worried as well.

"Yeah! What the heck is strong enough to make you have that reaction?" snorted Scootaloo.

"You idiots don't even know, do you!?" Spark barked. "I swear, we should just forfeit this match. I can feel something bad is about to happen."

They were stunned. Spark Light, of all ponies, was telling them to forfeit!

"Whoa, wait a minute. Why the hay do you want squirt and the others to forfeit!?" Rainbow said.

"Yeah! What the hell!? Are you telling us that we're weak!?" Scootaloo flared her wings.

"Tch... You'll find out soon enough." he said, glaring. Scoots returned the glare all-too-willingly.

Back to the match...

"... Where there is light... There is DARKNESS!!! RIDE THE VANGUARD!!! BLASTER DARK!!!"

"What...!?"

A black knight appeared, cloaked in the armor of the shadows. Pouncing from a cliff nearby, he landed, wielding a big, two-pronged, dark-colored, Blaster-type sword that looked as if it were made from the finest black steel... (G2/10000, since Blaster Javelin is in the soul.)

"Well, I call. Doranbau!" A black High Dog with fire on its head and body appeared. "Also, Black Sage Charon (G1/8000) and Knight of Darkness, Rugos (G2/10000) would like to meet you!"

A black knight with twin swords, one bigger and having red markings while the other a short sword with blue ones, and a black mage-pony with a gray mane appeared.

(KoD,Rugos) (BlasterDark) (RC)

(Charon) (Doranbau) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 0

"Boosted by Doranbau, my Avatar attacks! Also, Doranbau's skill activates! Giving an extra 4000 Power to Dark!" (POW: 20000)

"Tch... No guard!"

"Checking the drive trigger!" He revealed a card with a black pony with a red mane wielding a scythe. "The Grim Reaper has come to take its victims!" (Blaster Dark - Critical: 1 ==> 2, Rugos - Power: 10000 ==> 15000)

"Damage check first... No trigger!" Sweetie Belle sent Wingal to the drop zone. "Second... Aha! Yggdrassil Maiden, Elaine! Heal the troops, and 5000 Power to my Vanguard!" [(Hand: 5, Damage: 1), (Marron's SLD/POW: 13000)]

The black knight suddenly disappeared. Reappearing behind Marron, he stabbed it from the back. Sweetie Belle suddenly felt her back getting pried open by a sharp metal blade and screamed in pain, her front legs buckling and sending her (at least front legs) into a kneeling position.

***** Crusaders' room... *****

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity nearly shrieked. "What happened!?"

"You better have an explanation for this!" yelled Scootaloo, directing the question at Spark.

"As I said, that's Blaster Dark. A unit that can make you feel any pain that your Avatar on Cray can feel." Spark said matter-of-factly, horrifying the mares in the room. "That was a lot of Power, so obviously the pain is multiplied threefold."

"How is that even possible!?" Twilight said. "There has to be an explanation for it!"

"There's no explanation. It just does."

"WHAT!?" Rarity shrieked, horrified. "We need to get her out of there!"

"No can do." Spark Light interrupted. "Once a Cardfight started, it cannot be interrupted. You could've forfeited earlier."

"Oh sweet Celestia...." Applejack said, completely in shock, as Fluttershy gasped and nearly fainted. Pinkie, however, stayed optimistic.

"All she has to do is win, right?" Pinkie chirped. "Then she can't feel pain from the attacks any more!"

"Yes. However, at how Sweetie is today... I find that nearly impossible." Spark cut in.

Scootaloo snorted. "You haven't seen her fight that serious yet, haven't you?"

Spark was about to say he did during their first fight, but chose to give them the benefit of a doubt.

Back to the match...

Sweetie Belle gasped for air. She had felt her back and lungs reduced to something that can't be described due to this fic's rating. "W-What the hay was that!?"

"Oh, nothing." Midnight smiled. "I'm not done. Boosted by Charon, Rugos attacks!" (POW: 23000)

"I d-don't guard. Damage check, Margal! DRAW TRIGGER!" Sweetie Belle suddenly felt a wave of power course through her, removing most of the pain from Blaster Dark's attack. "5000 Power to Marron, and I draw." (Hand: 6, Damage: 2)

"Well, that's it! Turn end!" (Hand: 3, Damage: 0)

"M-My turn, I stand and draw!" Sweetie suddenly heard a voice different from anyone's. It seemed to come from... Blaster Blade!?

Vanguard... Vanguard... Vanguard...

Gulping, Sweetie raised the card into the air using her magic, suddenly getting more confident. "Light of courage, and defender of the weak! STAND UP MY AVATAR!!!"

Midnight suddenly looked interested. "Oh? Your Avatar you say?"

"I RIDE!!! BLASTER BLADE THE VANGUARD!!!"

Eyes widening, Midnight said, "B... Blaster Blade? Wow, you are interesting."

A white knightpony wielding a sword appeared. His sword suddenly split into three, with surges of energy. "Now his Counterblast, and I retire Rugos! PINPOINT BURST!!!"

Midnight sent his rear-guard Rugos to the drop zone as Blaster Blade shot a blast of light using his blade, which returned to normal after.

"Next, I call! Blaster Javelin Normally, and his skill! I put two Royal Paladin cards in my hand to the soul, and I superior call two Royal Paladin High Beasts! I call two Snogals!"

(RC) (Blaster Blade) (BlstrJvlnNrmlly)

(Snogal) (Snogal) (Snogal)

Hand: 6, Damage: 2/2

"Boosted by Snogal, Blaster Blade attacks your Vanguard!" (POW: 17000)

"I don't guard." (Hand: 3, Damage: 0)

"Checking me drive trigger! Yeah! I got Epona, a Critical Trigger! Power to Javelin Normally, and the extra Critical to my Vanguard!"

"Checking the damage. First, no trigger." Midnight revealed the second card. "Abyss Freezer. Oh lookie, a Draw Trigger. That's 5000 Power to my Vanguard, and a card for me." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2)

"Now, boosted by Snogal, Normally attacks your Vanguard at 22000 Power!" The knight readied its gleaming white spear, shooting bolts of lightning.

"I guard with Grim Reaper." A demonic black pony with a scythe blocked Normally's attack. (SLD: 25000)

"Well... That's the end of my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn! Stand and draw." Midnight smiled at Sweetie Belle. "Time to show you what darkness is all about."

Sweetie got on her guard as Midnight placed a card on the Vanguard Circle.

"Ride, the vanguard! The dragon of impenetrable armor, Dark Metal Dragon!!!"

A titanic purple dragon covered in crystals opened its four eyes, roaring as black gems started coming out of the ground, screwing up the smooth appearance of the terrain. Its sword began to glow menacingly in a red color. (G3/10000)

"And now I call!" A card were placed on the rear-guard. "Skull Witch, Nemain (G2/3000)! Counterblast and I discard Dark Metal, and I draw two cards!"

(KoD,Rugos) (DMDragon) (SW, Nemain)

(Charon) (Doranbau) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 1/2

"Boosted by Doranbau, Dark Metal Dragon attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"I don't guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 2/2)

"Checking my Twin Drive! First up is Abyss Freezer, who's a Shadow Paladin unit, which makes Dark Metal Dragon get an extra 2000 Power, which is useless in this situation. Power to Rugos." Midnight added the card to his hand and drew another, before revealing the next card. "Second check. Blaster Dark. Dark Metal gets another useless 2000 Power." (Hand: 6)

"Damage trigger check! No tri-" Sweetie Belle was cut of by a burning pain on the right side of her body. She somehow couldn't scream, even if she wanted to. A third damage floated from her deck to the damage. It hurts...

"Seiously? Even that weak attack could phase you?" Midnight sighed. "Charon boosts, Rugos attacks!" (POW: 23000)

"I... Don't guard." Sweetie felt her face getting punched, as a result, was sent reeling back as the next damage floated to its respective place. (Hand: 6, Damage: 2/4)

Back in Crusaders HQ...

"That's it! I'm putting a stop to this!" Rarity said. "This has obviously gotten dangerous!"

As Rarity was about to bolt into the arena, Scootaloo blocked her and said, "She can do this! Don't give up on her!"

"No offense darling, but are you out of your mind!?" Rarity retorted. "She's getting hurt out there! Spark is right, we need to forfeit!"

"Hay no!" Scootaloo said as she glared an instant at Spark, then proceeding back to Rarity. "We aren't forfeiting anything! She's gonna win this."

Back to the match...

Sweetie Belle's field (Current, Battle Phase)

(Snogal) (FoL,Garmore) (BlstrJvlnNrmlly)

(Snogal) (Snogal) (Snogal)

Hand: 4, Damage: 2/4

"Now, boosted by Snogal, Garmore attacks Dark Metal Dragon!" (POW: 23000)

"I guard with Dark Shield, Mac Lir! I discard Abyss Freezer!" Midnight revealed a card with a black pony using a black shield, having a distinct golden Shield symbol. (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/2), (SLD: ∞)

"Twin Drive! First check, no trigger." Sweetie Belle smiled as she felt a familiar burst of energy go through her. "Second check! FUTURE KNIGHT, LLEW! All to Javelin Normally!"

Garmore tried to jump, but was blocked by an enormous shield of darkness.

"Now, boosted by Snogal, Javelin Normally attacks!" (POW: 23000)

Crusaders HQ...

"Heh, I told you she'd finish it! Go, Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo cheered.

Rarity asked herself. Is she really a filly any more? I don't think so. She's grown so much, considering what's happened these three years. Especially the part about Ponyville getting split in half by a forest. Thank Celestia they remedied that using those new buildings.

"She's a goner." Spark said suddenly, catching everypony's attention.

"What the buck do you mean!? I've just had it with you-" Scootaloo was cut off by Spark pointing at the screen, which showed. Midnight no guarding, landing two damage. Directly after, he took the last attack.

"Just watch."

Back to the match...

"Well, My turn. Stand and draw." Midnight smiled. "It's been fun and all, but I think I'll end this now. FINAL TURN!!!"

"What!?"

"Spreading the wings of pure darkness across the land, consuming every single bit of light!" Midnight said, raising a card into the air. "Plunge the world into despair, unholy dragon of Tartarus! RIDE THE VANGUARD!!! PHANTOM... BLASTER... DRAGON!!!"

Dark Metal Dragon erupted in a plume of darkness, with Blaster Dark in its place. Suddenly, though, Blaster Dark clutches at his face, bearing the expression of extreme pain before being blasted by darkness from the skies. In his place was... This. (G3/11000, since Blaster Dark is in the soul.)

"Now, I call Dark Metal Dragon." Midnight then flashed a sinister grin before saying. "Time to offer you lives to the cursed dragon, you pathetic weaklings! Nemain! Doranbau! Dark Metal! DIE!!!"

"WHAT!?" Sweetie screamed as she watched the dragon turn, killing his targets with one swipe of his massive lance.

"This is Phantom Blaster Dragon's ultimate skill! DAMNED... CHARGING... LANCE!!!" Midnight yelled as Blaster Dragon's cyan lines began to glow a fiery crimson instead. "Blaster Dragon gets 10000 Power and an extra Critical!" (POW: 11000, 1 Crit ==> 21000, 2 Crit)

Crusaders HQ...

"What!? That unit just killed his friends for power!" Rainbow Dash yelled, as her friends could only look at the horrific sight before them. Fluttershy looked as if she were about to faint.

"That." Spark said. "Is what I was talking about. The Shadow Paladins kill their own allies for power, as demonstrated by Blaster Dragon here. That unit is the equivalent in power of my Kagerō's Dragonic Overlord, by the way."

What... Have I done!? Scootaloo thought. Sweetie Belle, get out of there!

Back to the match...

"I'm not done. I call Dark Mage, Badhabh Caar! His skill, if I call him, I get to check the top card! If it's a Shadow Paladin, I can call him!" Midnight revealed the top card, which was another Caar. "Lookie! I superior call Caar, and his skill! I superior call... Abyss Healer!"

Why does he need all- Oh buck. Sweetie's eyes widened in horror as Midnight smiled.

"Yup! Activating his Counterblast once more to retire my two Caars, and Healer! DAMNED... TWIN... CHARGING... LANCE!!!! Blaster Dragon once again killed his allies, and his crimson lines suddenly housed fire, making it look like a flaming demon from the Underworld. (POW: 31000, Critical: 3)

"Now, Blaster Dragon attacks you." Midnight's eyes suddenly flashed a vibrant pink and violet, reflecting in Sweetie's eyes as she felt her surroundings melt. She found herself in a volcanic area, as Garmore, with nopony else around... Except a certain hellish dragon.

Where... Am I!? Sweetie Belle/Garmore said.

YoU'rE aT YoUr rEsTiNg PlAcE... A demonic voice rumbled. DiE!!!

Sweetie Belle/Garmore suddenly found herself impaled on Blaster Dragon's lance. An overwhelming pain took over her as she began to lose consciousness. Anyone... Please... Help....

Sweetie Belle coughed up blood and collapsed as her fifth and sixth damages flew to its respective places. Midnight just smiled and said something before leaving. "Well, it was fun breaking her. Gotta give Di credit. She knows her stuff."

Later, in the infirmary...

When Spark was finished explaining every detail about what happened to the nurses, Rarity rushed in to see her sister, but was blocked by a nurse. "Let me in there! That's my sister!"

"Wait a moment, miss. The doctor is nearly done with her check-up."

Scootaloo, who was seated on the farthest bench, was approached by Spark Light, who said. "You knew her limitations, and I told you personally before the fights even started of what he could do. Look what happened."

"I... I know..." Scootaloo said, fighting to keep back tears. "I... Don't deserve to be her friend..."

Spark, looking as stoic as ever, just glared at the orange pegasus.

"I... I think I'll quit the team. Break the news to them gently, okay?" Scootaloo said before she turned and left.

"... I'll do my best." Spark Light said quietly when she was gone, approaching the others, who were finally let inside the room. The medical room was pretty nice, with a small Crystal Vision in front of the bed. Sweetie Belle was sitting up, smiling.

"H-Hey."

Rarity rushed in to hug her, crying. Fluttershy had rushed off a while ago to get Sweetie Belle's stuff, along with Pinkie Pie, while Twilight Sparkle was choosing books for Sweetie to read during her 'in' time in the infirmary. "Oh my goodness, Sweetie Belle! Don't ever scare us like that again!"

Spark whispered something to Apple Bloom, which made her eyes widen. As he continued to whisper, Apple Bloom looked sadder and sadder.

"A-Apple Bloom? What's the matter? Where's S-Scoots?" Sweetie Belle said weakly.

"... She left the team, Sweetie Belle. She left." Apple Bloom said, nearly crying, and shocking the others (except Spark).

"W-What? S-She left, huh? No wonder... I let her dreams get crushed." chuckled Sweetie Belle as she started tearing up. Apple Bloom was about to say something, but Sweetie Belle cut her to it. "Don't say anything else. I... I need to get stronger."

"Dammit! I'm gonna go look for her!" Rainbow said, flying out in an instant.

Spark Light's eyes widened at those last words that Sweetie had said. Oh no... Not again...! Wait... Spark... Calm down... Observe what happens...

Sweetie Belle's eyelids suddenly felt as they were made of lead. Her last thought before blacking out was:

I need... To get stronger...

Author's Note

IT'S OVER 3000!!!! Anyways, cue "OH SHIT!" moment. Anyways, point out all mistakes, yadda yadda, thanks to Kamen Writer for his semi-good pre-reading, etc. Have fun Vanguard Fighting!

Ride 017 - This Power...

I haven't seen her since Regionals...

Sweetie Belle was wandering the expanse of Ponyville, thinking about the events of three months ago. Rainbow Dash hadn't found Scootaloo since then, Spark had disappeared directly after, and recently Apple Bloom got busy with farmwork, and Rarity's busy with her dresses...

"I... I need to get stronger... For Scoots... For Apple Bloom... For all my friends..." she said. I'm the reason... The reason why Scootaloo left...

Sweetie Belle suddenly looked up, finding herself in the... shadier parts of Ponyville. She was about to turn back, until a hoof was placed on her shoulder. Looking back, she was met with a sharp pain on her head, and proceeded to black out.

Somewhere...

When Sweetie woke up, she felt a tightness on her right hoof. Looking, she saw her hoof clad in a brace that looked like her own VF Gloves, only with wires connected to a machine in front of her. She was surrounded by a dark area, with a wire fence, and she turned to see her captors.

"You stupid wench!" the dark purple one yelled. "You damn weakling! You screwed up Ponyville's chance at the big leagues! Now that stupid Diamond Tiara'll think she's superior! You idiot!"

"Now, now, Apple Bytes." The gray one said. "You can get revenge on her without the swearing."

"But Checkers! She ruined this your chance to-" she was cut of by a hoof in front of her face. "Checkers..."

"We'll get our part anyways." she said before turning to Sweetie Belle, glaring. "You're pathetic. I'm going to enjoy hurting you."

Alarmed, Sweetie tried to escape, but was blocked by Apple Bytes. "Why are you doing this!? I don't deserve it!"

Grinning, Checkered Flag said, "You really don't know, do you? Well, let's say a certain filly's dad bet his paycheck against the Riches that you guys would win the tournament. Now guess who's family ended up poor? Now, let's start. Put your Starting Vanguard on that MF System."

Gulping, Sweetie Belle obeyed as she put Brugal faced down, with her opponent doing the same.

"Stand up..."

"... the..."

"... VANGUARD!!!" They flipped over their SVGs.

"... Stardust Trumpeter!" A red-maned white pegasus filly with her hair in buns appeared behind Sweetie Belle. (G0/6000)

"Lizard Runner, Undeux!" A red dragon with laser swords flew from Faust knew where. (G0/6000)

"Now, my turn! Draw!" Checkered said, drawing a card. "Ride! Grapeshot Wyvern (G1/6000)! I end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"M-My turn. Draw." Sweetie Belle gulped. "I ride! Little Sage, Marron (G1/8000), and I call Knight Squire, Alen behind him!"

(RC) (Marron) (RC)

(RC) (Alen) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"Boosted by Alen, Marron attacks at 15000 Power!" Sweetie/Marron shot a bolt of energy at the wyvern, it's feet-guns offering no protection while Checkered winced.

"No guard" Sweetie Belle's drive check revealed a copy of Epona. "Damage checks, no triggers." (Damage: 0/2)

"Turn end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Now, my turn. Stand and draw!" Checkers smirked. "Ride! Berserk Dragon! Counterblast, I retire Alen!"

Sweetie was about to send Alen to the drop zone, when she felt a small amount of heat behind her. Ignoring it, she continued.

"Now I call! Raopia (G1/6000)! Nehalem (G2/10000)!"

(Nehalem) (BerserkD) (RC)

(RC) (LS,Raopia) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 2/2

"Boosted by Raopia, Berserk Dragon attacks at 19000!" (Raopia's skill = Power +4000 since there are two or less opponent's RG)

"I don't guard!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Check! Oh look, it's Rakshasa! Critical to the vanguard, Power to Nehalem!" Berserk Dragon shot a torrent of fire at Marron, causing an explosion.

"Checking my da-" Sweetie Belle was cut off by a sudden, painful jolt, making her legs buckle underneath her, and the taste of metal on her mouth as two cards flew from the top of her deck to the damage. "W-What... Was that!?"

"Oh. I've seen you've felt the effects of my Underground Fight Gloves." smirked the gray mare, making Sweetie Belle's eyes widen. "Once you take damage, it shoots a blast of magic through the glove, and into your body, either elctrocuting or giving the feeling of being hit by a giant fist."

Sweetie Belle recoiled in horror. Sweet Celestia! I have to get out of this!

Smirking, her opponent rested Nehalem, who flew above Sweetie Belle. "15000."

"I... I GUARD WITH EPONA!!!" Sweetie nearly threw the card in an attempt to stop the approaching dragon. (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2)

"Turn end." (Hand: 4, Damage: 2/2)

"M-My turn. Stand and draw." Sweetie Belle thought about her options. She either had to escape or fight her way out. She couldn't escape, so... I... I need to win this... "Stand up, my Avatar! Defender of he weak! Ride, BLASTER BLADE!!! (G2/9000)

A whitish-gray knight appeared, gripping tightly on his sword. I could've sworn Blaster Blade was a little lighter colored.... "Counterblast! Pinpoint Burst on Nehalem!"

The knight suddenly disappeared in a flash of light, and appeared behind Nehalem, stabbing the rider. Teleporting back to Sweetie Belle, Blaster Blade seemed... miffed, not looking at her as the knight had sometimes done three months ago.

"Now, I call! Marron (G1/8000)! Gordon (G2/8000)!" The mage she used earlier and a gray knightpony with his mane in a ponytail appeared, wielding a rapier of light. Let's go, everyone!

(Gordon) (BB) (RC)

(Marron) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 2/2

"Boosted by Marron, Gordon attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"I guard with Rakshasa!" Checkered put the Trigger Unit in the drop zone.

"My Vanguard attacks!"

"No guard."

Sweetie Belle drive checked a unit with the illustration of a regal-looking knight and his comrade sitting on a big rock.

"Checking my damage! Heal trigger! Power to my vanguard, and I heal!" Her opponent put one of the used-for-Counterblast cards in the drop zone. (Hand: 3, Damage: 1/2)

"Tch... Turn end..." The white filly prepared herself for the onslaught that was soon to come. (Hand: 3, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Checkered laughed. "Stand up, guardian dragon of the Empire! Cleanse the world of the weak, and glory to the strong! RIDE!!! DRAGONIC WATERFALL!!!

"What!?" That's one of Spark's cards! How'd she get it!?

"You're probably wondering how I got this, right?" smirked the gray mare. "I bought this from some collector in Manehattan. Didn't come cheap, either. Also, call! Bahr!"

Gritting her teeth, Sweetie looked at the paladin-like dragon, wielding a bland but very sharp sword.

(Nehalem) (D.Waterfall) (RC)

(Bahr) (LS,Raopia) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 1/2

"Boosted by Raopia, Waterfall attacks at 23000 Power!"

"I don't guard!" (Hand: 3, Damage: 2/2)

"Checking my drive trigger! First up.... OH YEAH!!! IT'S TAHR BABY!!! CRITICAL TO VANGUARD, AND POWER TO NEHALEM!!!" Checkered yelled, with Waterfall's sword getting longer. "Second! CRITICAL GET! Let's give the Power to Nehalem, and the Critical to Waterfall!"

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in horror at the insane attack. One second, she was standing on all four hooves. The next, she was blasted backwards by an insane surge of energy. "GAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"

Pure, unadulterated magic was blasted through her. It was as if her body was on fire, and she could feel every inch of her, being consumed. OH SWEET CELESTIA, IT HURTS!!!

Screaming and eyes watering, she tried using her own magic to counter, and it failed horribly, causing a sharp pain on her horn Why...? Why? WHY!?

It's because you're weak, that's why. Glory befits only those with power. A deep, rumbling voice said.

I'm...... Weak...

Honestly, you're pathetic. You can't even beat scum like her. How will Spark and your friends ever treat you as an equal?

I... Won't let that happen... I'll become stronger... I need to become stronger....

And, pray tell, how will you achieve that?

I don't even care... I need to get stronger...

Hmm... I like that mentality. I give you permission to tap into my power...

W-Wha...!?

All the while this was happening, Apple Bytes put three more cards in Sweetie Belle's damage zone, causing Sweetie Belle to taste metal and cough up blood, signified by the doubling in pain and volume of Sweetie Belle's howls, which echoed throughout the night.

Seeing the dirty deed, multiple thought raced through Sweetie Belle's mind. The only thought that was ever considered, the one that would affect her life, was chosen. It was revenge. I... Want... To... Make her.... Feel... PAIN!!!

In a flash of deep purple light, the magic was cancelled, surprising Apple Bytes and Checkered Flag, who were also met with a very pissed filly.

"Scum like you... NEED TO DIE!!!" she yelled, eyes blazing dark purple. The two felt the surroundings melt around them, and were suddenly in a moonlit valley. Turing around, they saw her.

Clad in gray, was the filly they tormented, gazing upon them with soulless eyes. Clutching her blade of the righteous, she said, "Those of you in the dark have no right to exist in the light."

Eyes widening, Apple Bytes said. "N-No. No. NO!!! You can't be her! She's supposed to be weak!"

"So this... This is what they call power..." muttered a shaking Checkered.

"Let's end this now, scum." The knight said, eyes blazing with that deep purple, before raising her sword, and bringning it crashing down on the two, but not before chanting. "Glory to those with power, death to the weak!"

"AAAAAAAAGH!!!!!" The two yelled, before finding themselves back in the arena, with Sweetie Belle glaring at them.

"W-What are you!?" Apple Bytes screamed.

Sweetie Belle smirked, as her eyes flashed that purple again. "Your worst nightmare. Even if you escape, I'll find you, and I will destroy everything you hold dear."

"M-MONSTER!!!" Checkered yelled, horrified, as she and Apple Bytes galloped away as fast as their hooves could carry them, while yelling 'MONSTER!!!'.

"Pathetic. And they had the nerve to capture me." Sweetie Belle glared at the running ponies for a bit, then felt a sense of dizziness overtake her, turning into pain, eventually blacking out.

Later, at Carousel Boutique...

Sweetie Belle had just woken up, and was greeted the sight of her sister, who looked like she went to the depths of hell and back. "R... Rarity?"

Hugging her, Rarity said. "Sweetie Belle, what were you thinking!? You went to... that part of Ponyville! During the evening, no less! Be glad that... Spark saw it and told the others!"

Spark!? Sweetie's jaw dropped. Shaking her head, she apologized. "Um... Sorry for making you worry."

"What's important is that you're okay, darling. Bruised and having traces of a magical overload, but fine." Rarity beamed. "Also, can you tell us who hurt you, so we can have those brutes arrested?"

"No, that's not necessary." she smiled, surprising Rarity. "I don't think they'll bother me any more. Trust me on this."

Rarity was about to say something, until she caught a glint of purple in her little sister's green eyes. Wha...? Must be my imagination.

Glory to the strong, death to the weak. Sweetie Belle thought. I need to get stronger...

Author's Note

New chapter is damn dark. Also, Believe in my existence ftw! Point out any mistakes!

Ride 018 - A Taste of Darkness

Ride 017 - A Taste of Darkness

Scootaloo kept flying east.

She had heard of the kidnapping incident with Sweetie Belle. Yet she chose not to turn back, for the sake of her friend. She was currently somewhere near Manehattan. This would be a good place to hide. To hide from those she hurt because of her decisions. From her friends.

Ponyville Train Station, 12:00 N.N.

"Ah! Back in Ponyville! Ah wonder how cuz and the others are doin'?"

A brown mare trotted off the train, and onto the platform. She had a reddish-pink mane, and an apple core for a cutie mark. "Huh, what's that?"

She saw an old newspaper, with the illustration of a white mare with curly pink and purple locks for hair. Reading it, her eyes widened.

"Oh shoot." She immediately ran into Ponyville Plaza, bringing a small box of some sort.

Meanwhile, at Card Capital...

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom had just bought a box of the new Expansion Set 04: Eclipse of Illusionary Shadows. Apple Bloom had been at first apprehensive due to the astonishing number of Shadow Paladin units, but Sweetie assured her that she wasn't scared of the Shadow Paladin units in the set.

Tearing the top of a pack off using her hooves, Apple Bloom said; "Hey Sweetie Belle, got any luck finding some rare cards?"

"Not yet, so far." Sweetie Belle said before tearing off the top of a booster pack using her magic. Flipping through the contents, she saw something that shocked her. "WHAT!?"

"Sweetie, what's the prob-Oh. Mah. Stars." Apple Bloom stared at the mint SP-Rarity unit, glowing with a crystalline shard design as the foil type.

Blaster Dark (G2/9000)

"No matter how many enemies I face, my determination will not waver! Thunder forth, Blaster Dark!"

"H-Hah..." Sweetie stuttered. "S-Should I k-keep him?"

"Ah... Don't know. It's yer card. And it's pretty dang rare..." Apple Bloom pondered, but was interrupted by the shop's doors opening, also making her flinch.

Sweetie felt a sudden surge of energy go through her. It felt uncomfortable, yet... So right. She shuddered.

"I..." She looked at the other Shadow Paladin cards she got. "... I t-think I'm want to try them out."

Apple Bloom's eyes widened, and then she yelled. "OH HELL NO!!! You aren't using those things on my watch!"

"But..."

"No buts! You know these things can cause pain to the opposing fighter-" Apple Bloom's rant was cut off by her... Earpiece beeping. When the beeping was done, she looked pissed. "Dammit! Ah have ta go get Babs at the train station! Do not touch those damned Shaladins 'til Ah get back!"

After saying this, Apple Bloom raced out of the shop. Sweetie Belle looked once more to the ever-increasing pile of Shadow Paladins.

"S-Should I...?" But... Apple Bloom said not to! the little pony in her head nickered.

I sAy Go FoR iT... said a demonic, rumbling voice. ThEy ArE tHe StRoNgEsT pAlAdInS...

But... Apple Bloom... My friends...

WhO tHe FrIcK cArEs AbOuT yOuR fRiEnDs!? screeched the other voice.

You do! She's your friend! She obviously wants what's good for you! the little pony in her head said, before suddenly disappearing.

But you said you wanted to get stronger, am I correct? said a new, masculine voice. If so, we are your ultimate salvation.

Sweetie felt a surge of power flow through, making her eyes glow deep violet. Her surroundings melted around her, leaving not even a speck of light in the ethereal mist surrounding her. She stared at the figures coming out of the mist, and one by one, kneeling before her.

We have the power you are seeking. One of the figures stepped forward, revealing himself to be Blaster Dark, making Sweetie Belle gasp. Dark hardened his gaze. Well? Are you willing to put behind past... Ah, squabbles, Mistress?

Sweetie Belle gulped. But... My Royal Paladins...

Dark smiled curtly before bowing. They shall be well taken care of. Are you willing to do it?

Will... Will I get stronger...?

Dark snorted. Of course, Mistress. Who do you think we are? We are, obviously, the darkness of the light, serving a far superior purpose. We. Are. Shadow. Paladin.

I'll... Do it. Sweetie extended her hoof, rather hesitantly. Blaster Dark accepted it, and gently put his hoof on hers. Her surroundings started to fade, with everything, including Blaster Dark slowly disappearing. Before he totally vanished, however, Sweetie Belle thought she saw a smirk on Blaster Dark's face.

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, finding herself in possession of a deck of cards. Gulping, she looked at the top card. It was Blaster Dark. She turned to see her Royal Paladin deck, broken down into its key components, neatly in her card binder.

"W-What... Happened?" She was going to switch back to her Royals, but a hoof grabbed her from behind. Turning, she saw someone she didn't expect to see. Not until later.

"Hey, Sweets." Babs Seed greeted, with a grin on her face.

"Babs!" She hugged the Manehattan Crusader, before promptly letting go. "Wait, isn't Apple Bloom supposed to pick you up?"

Babs waved it off. "Meh. Anyways, what's this Ah hear 'bout yous getting kidnapped? You want me to go teach those fools a lesson?"

"Nah. They learned their lesson in the end." Sweetie said, voice dangerously monotone. She turned to Babs, with a blank expression. "Are you a strong cardfighter?"

"Duh! Ya dang well know Ah am!"

"Then prove it." Sweetie Belle levitated her her deck, showcasing Blaster Dark as the front card.

"Woah! Ya use a Shaladin deck now? What happened to yer Royals? Ah haven't hear from them since the tournament." said Babs, as blunt as can be.

"They're in my binder. I'll reassemble them later." Sweetie shrugged. "I kinda want to test this deck out. Wanna cardfight?"

"Hay yeah!" Babs said, a little too enthusiastically. They made their way over to the fight table, and put their Starting Vanguards faced down while doing the draws.

"Let's do this! Stand up..." Babs began.

"Stand up..."

"... my..."

"... the..."

"... VANGUARD!!!" They flipped their Vanguards over, letting a flare of light make their surroundings change into a rocky terrain, with no trees, at night.

"Dragon Egg!" A small, red dinosaur in an egg appeared. (G0/4000)

"Zappbau!" A blue dog with a dual cannon on its back appeared, growling. (G0/6000)

Meanwhile, at Ponyville Train Station...

"Dang it, where the heck is Babs?" Apple Bloom muttered, before seeing the clerk with her bags. "Hey, you! Ya know where the owner of those bags is?"

"Are you Miss Apple Bloom? Babs described a mare of your details."

"Yeah. Unless this is a parallel universe of some sort."

"Then your cousin is at the local card shop. She said she had some business to attend to."

Apple Bloom pondered for a moment. Why would she need to go to a card shop? She found her answer, and old newspaper, on the floor. She saw the article about Sweetie's kidnapping on the front page. She made a realization.

"Oh shoot." Was all she could say before galloping as fast as her hooves could carry her back to Card Capital. It would be a long shot, but it was all she had.

Back at Card Capital...

Babs Seed's field (Current, attacking)

(Gigarex) (Deathrex) (RC)

(Dragon Egg) (Sonic Noa) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/3

Sweetie Belle (Defending)

(Dordona) (Rugos) (RC)

(Charon) (Doranbau) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/3

"With a boost from Noa, Deathrex attacks!" Deathrex charged at a black knight, who was wielding two swords. (POW: 23000)

"No guard." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/3)

"Checking muh drive trigger! First check... Critical get! Power to Gigarex, and the extra Critical to mah Vanguard!" Deathrex's eyes glowed red, and one of his companions, a spike-armored golden dinodragon, roared. "Second check... No trigger."

"I damage check, first;" Sweetie Belle revealed Abyss Freezer. "Draw trigger! Power to vanguard, and I draw. Second, no trigger."

"Deathrex's skill! Ah retire Dragon Egg!" Babs grinned. "Ah'm sure ya know what happens next. Counterblast, and Dragon Egg is in mah hand! Also, Gigarex gets an extra 1000 Power!"

Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth. Damn, these Tachikaze units... I need to take her out as soon as possible...

"Now, Ravenous Dragon, Gigarex attacks at 16000 Power!" The lumbering beast shot a barrage of large, metal needles at Rugos.

"I guard with Freezer and Dordona intercepts!" A black pegasus pony and a green-haired knight took the attacks, both vanishing in a purple mist.

"Turn end!"

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle grinned. "Final Turn."

"Say what now!?"

"I ride, the vanguard! Crashing through the darkness, bringing pain and despair!" Sweetie Belle said, levitating a card into the air.

"HOLD UP!!!" Apple Bloom burst through the shop doors, making Babs turn her head. "What's happenin'!?"

"Stand, DARK METAL DRAGON!!!" Sweetie Belle continued, eyes flashing a light lavender, slamming the card into the Vanguard Circle.

"WHAT!?" Apple Bloom yelled. "Yer usin' a dang Shadow Paladin deck!? Ah told you not to!"

"Oh chill, cuz." Babs waved her off. "It's just a deck. Nothin' wrong with it."

"At least Babs understands." Sweetie snorted, catching the two's attention. "After all, you use the same philosophy, right? Glory befits only those with power."

Apple Bloom and Babs' jaws dropped in shock. "Wait, what!?"

Sweetie Belle smiled. "What? It's true. Tachikaze units 'eat' their allies for power. Shadow Paladins use their worthless allies as a stepping stone to victory. Small difference, really."

"Sweetie Belle, what the hay are yous sayin'!?" Babs said.

"And you, of all ponies, callin' units worthless!?" Apple Bloom added.

"Well, let's finish this." Sweetie Belle's expression turned serious. "Shadow, the opposite of light. The power of Tartarus runs through you! CALL! MY AVATAR!!! "

"Your avatar!?" Apple Bloom yelled. "Ah've had enough of this crud! Ah'm takin' that deck!!!"

As Apple Bloom was about to take the deck, she got pushed away by... Sweetie Belle!?

"Don't you ever. Take. My. Deck." Sweeie Belle growled, eyes flashing a brilliant mix of violet and red. She turned back to Babs, who looked absolutely stunned. "My avatar rises!"

Sweetie Belle placed a unit on her Rear-guard, enveloping the card in a dark blue glow. "BLASTER DARK, THE REAR-GUARD!!!"

"Blaster D-Dark..." AB stuttered.

Babs snorted. "Your avatar? Fine. Let's see if this guy can finish me. Lemme tell you, Blaster Blade is the only thing that fits yous."

"Boosted by Doranbau, Dark Metal Dragon attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"Ah guard with Shieldon!" A dinosaur in a yellow barrier appeared in front of Deathrex. (SLD: 20000)

"Twin Drive check! First!" Sweetie revealed a copy of Abyss Freezer. "Draw trigger get! power to Dark, and activating Dark Metal Dragon's skill! Whenever I drive check a Shadow Paladin, he gets 2000 Power!" (POW: 18000)

"Say what now!?"

"Yep. It means that extra 10000 Shield is useless." Sweetie Belle revealed the second card. "Second check is a Critical Trigger! Critical to my vanguard and the power to Blaster Dark! Dark Metal's skill, by the way! He gets an extra 2000 Power since Grim Reaper is a Shadow Paladin! Feel the depths of despair, DARK METAL BREAKTHROUGH!!!"

Dark Metal Dragon slammed its sword on Deathrex, sending two damage at once to Babs' damage zone. (Damage: 5)

"Boosted by Charon, Blaster Dark attacks!" The black mage passed on his energy to Blaster Dark, with the knight gripping his weapon and charging towards the Tyrant Dinodragon. (POW: 27000)

Babs looked at her hand. She had Dragon Egg and Megarex as the only two cards with shield. Even then, it wouldn't be enough. "Dammit! No guard. Damage check, no trigger..."

"Looks like I win." Sweetie Belle said haughtily, but suddenly interrupted by an insanely painful headache. "Argh!!!"

The pain quickly became unbearable, to the point where she was going to black out. Before fading into unconsciousness, she saw the two other Crusaders yelling her name while holding her.

Later, Sweet Apple Acres, Crusaders' Modified Clubhouse...

They were back at the place that started it all. What used to be a dingy clubhouse, now a futuristic living room, complete with a CV. It was Apple Bloom's pride and joy, aside from her custom-made MF Systems. She had also, built a medical bay, for the more dangerous Cutie mark quests. It had never been used, until now.

She was staring at an unconscious Sweetie Belle. "Dangit... Why'd you have to use that deck, Sweetie Belle?"

Having been told a rehash of what happened during the tournament, Babs was struggling to comprehend it. "Ah still can't believe it... That card she called her avatar... It was the one who hurt her! And why the hell did Scoots leave!?"

"Ah don't know the answer to all yer questions, but one thing's fer sure. We-" Apple Bloom was cut off by a groan coming from Sweetie Belle.

"Agh... Where am I? What the hay just happened?" Sweetie said groggily, rubbing her eyes. "Oh! Hi, Babs."

"Sweetie Belle! Are ya okay!?" Babs asked, shaking her.

"Whoa Babs!" Apple Bloom interjected, prying the two apart. "Let her rest."

"What happened, guys? Where's my Royal Paladin deck?" Sweetie asked, surprising the two.

"Huh!? Ah though you liked them Shala-" Babs was cut off by AB's hoof.

"They're over there." Bloom pointed to a neatly assembled Royal Paladin deck, with Blaster Blade as the front card.

Sweetie mumbled a 'thank you' and proceeded towards the deck, grabbing it and examining its contents. It was a little different from her deckbuild, but she wouldn't want to question Apple Bloom's deckbuilding skills. She had actually made the deck recipes for all of the Crusaders, based on their clans.

As Apple Bloom and Babs watched Sweetie go through her deck, Babs whispered. "What'd ya do with her Shaladin deck?"

"Ah hid it near the cabinet."

"Good."

"Uh, guys? Are we going back to the shop?" interrupted Sweetie Belle.

"Uh, yeah. Sure, let me just call mah family's butler guy." Babs rushed off to a corner, calling the same guy who carried her bags earlier using her iCrystalCom.

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle, worried. She didn't hear the white unicorn filly mutter something.

"I need to get stronger." Sweetie Belle whispered unknowingly, eyes glowing a deep violet. "Then Spark will finally respect me."

Author's Note

CrystalCom - Crystal Communication

Babs' family owns a company called "Apple Inc.", with AB's family owning 1/4 of the shares, since Apple Bloom helps design computers from time to time. Now you know where she got the needed magical crystals from in one of the earlier chapters. Why am I discussing this in a TCG fic? Meh.

EDIT: OHMYCELLY THE TITLE FAILS. I'M SORRY.

Ride 020 - Back to the Championships

Sweetie Belle was happily trotting down the hall to the playing grounds. Ah, life is good. Spark came back a few days ago, and the team managed to register. At the last minute, too!

Hey! said a familliar voice. Sweetie Belle turned, but saw no one there.

"Huh. Must have been my imagination." Sweetie resumed her walk, failing to notice that her eyes glowed a brilliant violet the moment before.

Later, in the playing grounds...

"Huh? What do you mean we get a pass to the final round? That sounds too convenient!" Sweetie Belle said, shocked.

"Apparently, somepony named Filthy Rich sponsored us." said Spark Light. "I don't agree with this, but we don't have any other options. They said they'd boot us out if we didn't agree."

The three fillies' jaws dropped. Diamond Tiara's dad sponsored them! There was obviously something wrong about this.

"Well... Are the other fighters cool about this?" said Babs, sounding annoyed.

"Fortunately, they are. However, they think of us as an extra prize for winning this." Spark said, gritting his teeth.

"Dammit! We got messed with by Diamond Tiara again!" Apple Bloom punched a wall in anger.

"Don't worry. We'll probably be strong enough to beat whoever comes at us in the finals." Sweetie Belle said, voice dripping with confidence. "They won't stand a chance."

Apple Bloom and Babs Seed shot worried looks at each other, while for Spark Light shot an unreadable look at her.

"And now, the moment you've been waiting for!" suddenly boomed the MC, who was a tan Earth Pony mare with a dark brown mane, and was sitting in an elevated stall with another mare. "I'm MC Mia, and joining us today is the one and only, DOCTOR O!!!"

"What's up?" said the white pony with a curly pink mane. "You may know me as Doctor O, or my nickname Moondancer."

"Thank you Doctor O for that short intr-O-duction!" The MC yelled, right before giggling at her lame attempt to copy Moondancer's former gimmick.

Doctor O just shot her with a glare. "You're pushing your luck, kid."

Sweating, Mia just said, "O-Okay! Let's begin the Vanguard Fight Extra Tournament! Three! Two! ONE! STAND UP THE VANGUARD!!!"

Team Crusader watched as multiple teams battled it out, trying to get a chance at fighting them.

In the west wing, a purple dragon wielding kunai was duking it out with a golden beetle that had scythes as arms.

In the east wing, a red robot wielding an assortment of weapons was wiped out by a living suit of armor that looked as if it was a combination between a samurai, a knight, and ball lightning.

The north and south wings had dinosaurs and fire dragons fighting, shooting bullets and fireballs left and right.

The amount of chaos happening would make Discord proud.

Suddenly, a loud honk resonated in the south wing, catching everypony's attention.

"Let's go, Blockade! VANISHING FIELD INCARNATE!!!" A dark red dragon covered in seals shot a burst of demonic fire at the golden Dinodragon covered in golden blades exploded, as a sixth damage landed in its respectful place.

"And the finals of Block B have ended! Rumble of Team Get-Backers defeated Manager of Team Entrepreneur!" yelled MC Mia, shocking Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Rumble was here? They had some competition.

"I guess you can say the manager... got fired." said Moondancer, putting on shades/sunglasses.

"YEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" yelled Mia, before brohoofing with the Doctor. "Lame puns aside, Rumble is a sure-fire rising star! His teammates, Dinky Doo and Ruby Pinch, aren't slouches either!"

"Guys." Sweetie Belle said, catching her teammates' attention. "Can I go last? I still have to finish adjusting my deck."

"Sure. Whatever floats yer boat." Apple Bloom shrugged.

As Sweetie Belle went to the team's room, Spark leaned in and said, "Have you noticed anything off about her behavior? She seems more... Confident. Conceited, even."

Apple Bloom just shook her head. "Probably just hormones and stuff that they teach at school."

Babs snorted. "Yeah. You should've seen Cuz AJ during her last heat. She snapped an apple tree in half like it was a small twig."

"Hell hath no fury like a mare on her heat cycle." Spark Light said, receiving a nod from the two mares.

Meanwhile, in the Crusaders' room...

Sweetie Belle looked at her deck. She had received a few new cards from boosters, such as a certain Grade 3 .

Hey hey hey! It's me again! A voice said, before Sweetie Belle felt her surroundings melt around her and was forced to close her eyes. Opening them, she found herself in a pure white room, perfectly symmetrical.

"Like it? Designed it all by myself." Sweetie Belle turned to face the source of the voice, who was... herself!?

"W-Who are you!?"

"Aw screw it. I'm not doing that cheesy 'I'm your worst nightmare' line again. I'm just going straight to the point." Her doppleganger said. "I'm you."

"How c-can you be me?"

"Simple. I'm a manifestation of all your inner hopes and fears." The doppleganger then grinned like the Cheshire Cat. "Aren't I? Or am I a physical form given to your true self? Who knows."

The doppleganger started trotting towards her. "W-What are you doing!?"

"I'm just going to unlock your true potential, therefore causing a chain reaction and," Her double flashed another roguish grin. "Releasing myself."

"W-WHAT!?"

"Don't worry." shrugged the double. "I'm just going to see what happens when all of your feelings get realeased start boiling over, and giving rise to your real power, also known as me."

"N-No! I w-won't let that happen!"

The double's ears drooped. "Aw. I thought you wanted to get stronger."

"I... Do... But..." Sweetie Belle stuttered.

"Then go for it!" chirped her double. "Just imagine how happy Apple Bloom, Babs, Scootaloo and Spark would be when they realize you've gotten stronger! Scoots might even come back!"

Hearing this, Sweetie's eyes widened. "... Are... You sure...?"

"Yeah." nodded the clone. "Scootaloo is probably gonna watch the finals, and Sparky will totally like the fact that you've become stronger! Who knows? You might even get to challenge him to a real match!"

"O-Okay..." Sweetie's mind raced through all of the situations. They'd win the Nationals. They'd get back at Foo Fighter PSY. Rarity and the others would applaud her new power. She'd gain Scootaloo, Rarity and Spark Light's respect.

"I'll do it."

Before these words were scarcely out her mouth, a bright lavender light enveloped her. Before she blacked out, she could've sworn she saw her doppleganger grin.

Later, in the Fight Area...

"Stern Blaukluger's skill! Breaking through the galaxy, STERNEN BLITZ!!!" A blue robot shot all of its weapons at a mare with a pink kimono.

"I nullify with Battle Sister, Chocolat (G1/6000/Shield: 0)!" Dinky said, sending a copy of Sakuya to the drop. A young unicorn mare with glasses in a nun outfit appeared, levitating and using her gatling gun to somehow destroy the lasers shot by the blue robot.

"Next, Brutal Jack attacks with a boost from Tough Boy!"

Dinky sighed. The only card in her hand was her trump card, a mare with an orange kimono carrying a mirror. "No guard. Damage check, no trigger. I lose."

Brutal Jack shot a barrage of beams at the mare, causing an explosion as a copy of Oracle Guardian, Wiseman (G2/10000) ended up as the sixth card in the damage zone.

"And with that, Apple Bloom of Team Crusader wins it!" Mia yelled. "Babs lost earlier, so they have to send out another fighter! Who could it be!? Their ace Spark Light, or the leader, Sweetie Belle!?"

"I guess they'd send out Spark Light. He's the ace-in-the-hole." Moondancer said. "He hasn't been beaten by anyone, as far as we all know."

Apple Bloom and Babs snorted.

"Guys." Sweetie came out of the hall, surprising her team with her total poker face. "Is it my turn yet?"

"Yeah! Good luck, Sweets!" Babs affectionately ruffled her mane, but Sweetie Belle remained emotionless.

"Uh... Are you okay, Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked. Sweetie nodded, before trotting towards the stage. Spark just looked on.

"Is this normal for her?" Spark asked the two, eliciting a 'No' from both.

This behavior... Could it be...? No, I need to observe what happens first...

Meanwhile, somewhere in Manehatten...

"Hey, kid! Here's your coffee!" yelled a gray stallion, who was holding out a cup. An orange hoof took it.

"Thanks." The orange pegasus mare said. Her face was obscured in a brown hoodie, since she couldn't afford to be noticed. A stray lock of her pinkish-violet mane stuck out from the hoodie, prompting her to brush it away. She noticed something on the CV. "Huh?"

"And here's the two fighters of the Extra Tournament Finals!" said the MC. "On the left, we have our rising star Rumble, from Team Get-Backers! On the right we have Team Captain of the Crusaders, Sweetie Belle!!!"

The hooded mare gasped before turning to the storekeeper, the stallion from earlier. "I need to watch this. Can you keep ot on this channel?"

"Who are you to say that?"

The mare brought her hood down, revealing herself. "Don't tell anyone."

The storekeeper's eyes widened, before he dumbly nodded. Scootaloo turned back to the CrystalVision.

Back at the Fight Area...

"Oh, hey Sweetie Belle!" Rumble said, grinning. "You're my opponent, huh? Let's make this a fun Fight!"

"You bet." Sweetie Belle said. They put their Starting Vanguards down, but before the drawing and redrawing sequence, Sweetie Belle held up a card. It was Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes (G3/10000).

"This is the card I'm going to defeat you with."

Author's Note

(OOC: DAAAAAMMMMNNNNNN.)

Apple Bloom: What!? She's predicting her victories now!?

Babs Seed: This is getting out of hand, cuz!

Spark Light: (What!? How can she... Have that...!?)

Babs Seed: O-Okay... She needs to pull it off, or we'll be the laughingstock of this entire tourney...

Sweetie Belle: (*giggles) Alright. Time to prove my strength! Next time on Cardfight!! Vanguard - Equestria Arc: Coepit! It's time.

Spark Light: (Damn it... Is it happening again!?)

Ride 021 - Coepit

"This is the card I'm going to defeat you with."

"What!?" Multiple voices yelled, others too overcome by shock to respond.

"What!? Sweetie Belle, what the hay are ya thinkin'!?" Apple Bloom said. Babs was still in shock, and Spark's eyes widened.

No... Is it happening again... !? he thought, trying to get a rational explanation for this. Wait... It might be a bluff... I need to observe...

Sweetie Belle, however, smiled. Ha. Now i'll show them just how tough I can be!

"Wow!" Doctor O said. "Will the Crusaders' leader be able to actually pull this off!?"

"I don't think so." replied Mia, shaking her head. "She's either trying to psych him out or just really, really brave. She must have a damn lot of confidence to say that."

Rumble gulped. "O-Okay. Let's start this up!"

"Sure. Whatever. Can we stand up now?" Sweetie spat back, impatient. Rumble's eyes widened, before nodding and placing his hoof on his Starting Vanguard. His opponent did the same.

"Stand up..."

"Stand up-"

"-The-"

"-My-"

"-VANGUARD!!!"

"Stand up the vanguard!"

"Stand up my vanguard!"

The field burst into a bright glow, flooding Sweetie and Rumble's vision. They felt their surroundings melt around them, as they assumed the forms of their Vanguards. The area around them was a lush valley, illuminated by the night sky.

"Clawdia!" A silver High Beast wearing purple and pink armor purred like a cat. (G0/4000)

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!" A green Dragonman wielding an axe appeared. (G0/5000)

Huh!? Where'd she get that card!? Spark thought, surprised. The set that unit in was discontinued before she even started playing... There were news of a reprint, but...

"And Sweetie Belle pulls out one of the rarest cards in the game!" Moondancer/Doctor O yelled, making Mia cover her ears. "As you all probably know, Clawdia is one of the oldest cards in the game! Its' set number is VZ/001EN, coming from the first-ever Trial Deck, which is out of print!"

"Huh? Nice!" Rumble said, smiling. "Now, you go first, right?"

"Right. Stand and draw." Sweetie Belle placed a card on top of Clawdia. "Ride! Knight Squire, Allen!"

Clawdia jumped back, and Sweetie Belle, in white armor and holding a glowing plasma blade, stepped forward. (G1/7000)

"I end." (Hand: 5)

"My turn, draw!" Rumble appeared on the battlefield. "Ride, Iron Tail Dragon (G1/7000)! Now, call! Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara (G1/6000)!"

Conroe jumped back, and Rumble suddenly erupted into flames, and was replaced by a small, red dragon. A purple dragon wearing a hood and multiple skulls appeared, holding a similarly-adorned staff.

(Kimnara) (IronTail) (RC)

(RC) (Conroe) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"Iron Tail attacks Allen!" The red dragon shot a small fireball at Allen. (POW: 7000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Check! Gattling Claw Dragon, Draw Trigger! All to Kimnara, and I draw!" The fireball hit Allen, causing an explosion.

"Damage trigger... No trigger." Sweetie Belle winced as a copy of Soul Saver Dragon (G3/10000) flew to the damage zone.

"Kimnara attacks!" (POW: 11000)

"I guard with Epona!" Sweetie Belle placed a card on the Guardian Circle, blocking the attack. (Hand: 4, SLD: 17000)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle slammed a card onto the Vanguard Circle. "STAND UP MY AVATAR! RIDE! BLASTER BLADE THE VANGUARD!!!"

A white pony-knight replaced the squire, causing a blue light to erupt from the ground surrounding him. (G2/9000)

"Oh yeah!" Rumble said, smiling. "This is where the real fun begins!"

"Whatever." Sweetie spat. "Clawdia's skill! I put her into the soul, and Blade gets 3000 Power! Now calling Marron behind!"

(RC) (BB) (RC)

(RC) (Marron) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/1

"Boosted by Marron, Blaster Blade attacks!" Sweetie Belle assumed the form of the knight, and charged towards her opponent. (POW: 20000)

"Tch... No guard!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Checking the drive trigger..." Sweetie muttered, unwittingly copying Spark's quirk. "Critical get! Future Knight, Llew! All to Blaster Blade!"

Sweetie/Blaster Blade stared the red dragon down, before jumping upwards. She landed on a runic circle, which propelled her towards Iron tail Dragon. In a flash, the fiery marauder was almost cut in half by the sheer power exuding from the blade as Sweetie Belle swung it. (POW: 25000, CRIT: 2)

"Damage checks..." Dragon Knight, Nehalem and Crouching Dragon, Striken (Both: G2/10000) flew to the Damage Zone.

"I end my turn."

"My turn, stand and draw." Rumble closed his eyes. "Ride! Prowling Dragon, Striken!"

A red light consumed the small wyrm, replacing it with a larger, black and red dragon that seemed to be asleep. (G2/10000)

"Now, Kimnara moves back, and call! Stand up in the face of adversity! Dragon Armored Knight!!!"

A blue knight wearing dragon-themed armor appeared, using a short sword. (G2/10000)

(DAK) (PD,S) (RC)

(Kimnara) (Conroe) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2

"Image it! Dragon Armored Knight attacks, boosted by Kimnara!" (POW: 16000)

"Epona guards." A filly riding on a giant golden beetle blocks the attack. (SLD: 19000)

"I end." Rumble muttered, gritting his teeth. (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

All is proceeding as planned.

"My turn. Stand and draw." Sweetie Belle was suddenly surrounded by a blue aura, shocking everyone in the vicinity. "Enter the fray, King of Knights, and give me the strength to lead! RIDE! KING OF KNIGHTS, ALFRED!!!"

That aura... Spark thought, gulping. It's just as I feared...

A blue symbol resembling the Vanguard Circle appeard underneath Sweetie/Blade, and enveloped her with a bright light. Replacing the knight was the King himself, albeit also merged with his user. (G3/10000)

"Now, call! Margal, and..." Sweetie Belle grinned before revealing a card in her hand. "Palamedes."

"What!?" Rumble said, shocked.

"Sweets... What the...?" Apple bloom stuttered. Babs and Spark could only watch as their teammate placed it on a Rear-Guard Circle.

Back in Manehatten...

"WHAT!?" Scootaloo yelled, banging her hoof on the counter and catching passers-by's attention. Crud, is she really going to try and pull this off!? The idiot!

Back at the Tournament...

"Margal's skill. I put him in the soul, and give 3000 power to Palamedes. Then, I call Marron behind him, and Gallatin."

(RC) (KoK,Alfred) (Palamedes)

(RC) (LS,Marron) (LS, Marron)

Hand: 0, Damage: 0/1

"Alfred attacks!" Sweetie/Alfred lifted her sword using her magic, and charged towards Striken. (POW: 16000)

"Striken's skill! If an attack is unboosted, he gets 5000 Power! Also, I guard with Gattling Claw Dragon!" (SLD: 20000)

"One to pass, huh? First check..." Sweetie Belle revealed a card with a white and blue dragon."Second... Critical trigger! All to Alfred!" [POW: 21000 =GUARD BREAK= SLD: 21000]

"Tch... Damage checks..." Two units, Kimnara and Blazing Flare Dragon, were sent to the damage zone. (Damage: 0/4)

"Palamedes attacks, boosted by Marron." The red pegasus in dragonscale armor charged, his twin blades cloaked in fire.(POW: 21000)

"Damage check, draw trigger! I draw."

"I end."

"Wow, Sweetie Belle. You've improved. Not attitude-wise, but you've improved." Rumble said, grinning.

"Tell me something I don't kno-" Sweetie's retort was cut off by Rumble raising his hoof.

"But still not good enough to beat me. Final turn."

"What!?" Sweetie Belle yelped, surprised. The audience also had a similar reaction.

"I draw." Rumble smirked. "Burning dragon of Tartarus, descend onto this mortal plane once more! RIDE THE VANGUARD!!! SEAL DRAGON, BLOCKADE!!!"

A torrent of fire suddenly surrounded Striken. The small wyrm was suddenly replaced by a hulking, demonic beast covered in fabric that had magic runes imprinted on them. (G3/10000)

"Striken's skill, Blockade gets 5000 Power and an extra Critical!" The crowd gasped.

"Damn it... She doesn't have any cards left in her hand..." muttered Babs.

Sweetie, however, grinned to herself.

Just as planned. Now, my friends, show me the image of victory!

Author's Note

OOC Note: It can also be either Claudia or Cloudia, etc., since we don't have an official translation. We're going to be using Clawdia. I will also elaborate on the first ever Trial Deck's story sometime. Temporary name: VG-TD00: Evolving Sanctuary Swordsmen. Also, I changed 'Alen' to 'Allen', based on the EN translation, kay? Point out any further mistakes.

Apple Bloom: Sweets... What are you planning?

Babs Seed: W-What's happening!? Did she just... !?

Spark Light: ... Oh Celestia... Not again, please...

Apple Bloom: Oh mah stars, what the hell is happenin'!?

Sweetie Belle: Yay! I'm going to finish this next time! Next time on CFV - EA; Angeli ceciderunt, a gratia! This is my true power.

Scootaloo: Oh crud... What the hell have I done... !?

Ride 022 - Angeli ceciderunt, a gratia

Sweetie Belle stared at the empowered golem-dragon in front of her.

"Dammit! She forgot to attack with Palamedes!" Babs yelled, gritting her teeth at the misplay. "Why'd she have to gloat!?"

(DAK) (SD,B) (RC)

(Kimnara) (Conroe) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/5

"Blockade attacks, boosted by Conroe!" The hellish beast was surrounded by a whirlwind of forbidden magic. (POW: 20000, CRT: 2)

"No guard." Sweetie Belle chirped, flashing a smug grin at her opponent

"Not like you had anything to guard with anyway." Rumble said, sounding a bit annoyed at her. "First check. Critical! The extra Critical goes to Blockade, and the Power to Armored Knight!"

The whirlwind of power intensified, pulling Sweetie Belle/Alfred towards it.

"Second check..."

"Dang it, no more triggers..." Apple Bloom muttered.

Rumble checked the top card and smiled before revealing it. "Critical get. Same distribution as the other trigger."

"OH! And Rumble pulls off a double crit!" Mia yelled. "That's 4 damage! Normally, you'd be dead by now since during this point in the game, most players are at 3 Damage!"

Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth as the magical cyclone dragged her in, burning multiple parts of her armor.

The cyclone dissipated, leaving a ragged-looking Alfred/Sweetie on her last legs. Breathing heavily, she stood up once more as three cards fell to the damage zone, one glowing a bright red and another bright green.

"I draw... And the last damage is a heal trigger, so I heal. All to Alfred." The King pointed her blade at the dragon knight in cyan armor, as if challenging it. (POW: 20000)

"Boosted by Kimnara, Armored Knight attacks!" (POW: 26000)

"No guard." Sweetie said solemnly, as her Vanguard was hit once more. "Damage check, no trigger." (Hand: 1, Damage: 5)

"Well, I end." Rumble looked happy at being able to drive her into a corner.

"I stand and draw." Sweetie Belle looked at Rumble, her eyes unwittingly glowing a bright violet. "FINAL TURN!!!"

"What!?" Rumble yelled, everyone else having the same reaction.

"And Sweetie Belle declares a Final Turn moments after nearly getting booted out of this tournament!" Doctor O yelled into her mic. "If you ask me, this is her final turn!"

"Well, let's just watch and find out!" MC Mia said, getting Doctor O's approval.

"Holy dragon of the sanctuary, descend upon this dark world once more and cleanse it! I RIDE! SOUL SAVER DRAGON, THE VANGUARD!!!"

Alfred/Sweetie pointed her sword upwards, causing a bright beam of light to envelop him. In her place was a white and blue dragon, giving off an aura of hope. (G3/10000)

"Soulblast! I give 5000 Power to Palamedes and both Marrons!" The three units suddenly glowed a brilliant white.

"Say what!?"

"Now, boosted by Marron, Soul Saver attacks! Her skill grants her an additional 3000 Power!" The angelic being spread its wings, causing particles of light to be blasted towards Blockade. (POW: 26000)

"I guard with Rakshasa, Blue Ray Dracokid, and Gattling Claw Dragon!" Rumble yelled, throwing the three units onto his Guardian Circle.

"Two to pass, huh? Checking my drive trigger." Sweetie flipped over the top card of her deck, revealing Bringer of Hope, Epona. "Critical get! All to Palamedes!"

"Playing it safe, huh?"

"Who cares? Second check." Another Epona was revealed. "Bingo. Critical get. All to Palamedes."

"What!?"

"Now, boosted by Marron, Palamedes attacks at 41000 Power, and three criticals." Sweetie Belle smirked at the shocked pegasus.

"I... I can't guard."

"Now, picture it." Sweetie's eyes glowed violet, causing Rumble to imagine himself on the Planet Cray.

W-What is this...? Rumble thought, before seeing the Salamander in front of him, raising his sword. Oh hell no.

Rumble gritted his teeth as Palamedes brought down his blade, anticipating the blow. At the same moment, three cards flew to his damage zone. None were Heal triggers.

"SWEETIE BELLE! STOP!!!" Spark yelled, silencing the crowd.

Rumble opened his eyes, seeing the blade mere inches from his face. His legs buckled underneath him as his teammates rushed to his aid.

"Rumble!" Dinky said, tapping his head with her hoof. "Are you okay!?"

"T-That was intense..." he stuttered, before collapsing.

"We need a medic here NOW!" Dinky yelled, as the med crew bolted into action, not noticing the other team going back into their private suite.

Meanwhile, in Team Crusader's room...

"Explain. Now." Spark said, no trace of emotion in his voice. He managed to convince the other two to let him talk to Sweetie Belle alone. They, however, were listening from outside.

"What do ya think they're gonna talk about?" Babs whispered, as she looked through the keyhole. Apple Bloom motioned for her to be quiet.

"I just did what you guys told me to." Sweetie Belle replied nonchalantly. "I pictured the battle, and showed him my image of victory."

"That isn't what I meant!" barked the other. "You... Do you even know what you've acquired!?"

"Yes." Sweetie Belle replied. "I've gotten a new... different kind of power. In general, I've gotten stronger. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Are you ready for the consequences...?" Spark said, his vouce becoming dangerously calm. "Are you willing to hear my say?"

"Yes, yes I am."

"Good. Because..." Spark glared at her. "You've grown weaker."

"WHAT!?" Sweetie Belle yelped. The other two managed to shut themselves up.

"You're weak. And not just that, you've also lost a teammate. Farewell." Spark trotted towards the door and opened it, leading to Apple Bloom and Babs to trip and fall into the room. "Now if you'll excuse me."

Before he was even out the door, Sweetie Belle yelled after him. "Why? Haven't I gotten stronger!?"

"Are you daft?" Spark retorted, making Sweetie Belle wince. "You've lost all your potential as a fighter. Don't waste my time."

"At least let me show you!"

Spark hesitated for a moment, before saying, "Fine. Beat me in a fight, I stay. I win, I get to leave the team."

Sweetie Belle nodded, before tapping in to her inner reserves of magic. Please... I need you once more...

They brought out their decks, and put it on the table in the middle of the room that they used for practice.

I need to win this battle! Give me power... My allies... As they put their First Vanguards down, Sweetie's eyes flickered a brilliant violet.

It did not go unnoticed.

Sweetie Belle put her Vanguard faced down in the table in the middle of the room, and started shuffling. Spark Light followed, doing the same.

This... This isn't how I wanted our fight to be... This is all wrong... Sweetie Belle thought bitterly, looking at her opponent.

"You ready?" Spark asked. She nodded.

"Stand up-"

"-the-"

"-VANGUARD!!!!" They flipped their Vanguards over, causing blue and red flames to appear in the room.

"Damn..." Apple Bloom muttered. Babs could only stare as the two Vanguards manifested before them.

"Let's go! Clawdia!"

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!"

"My turn, draw!" Sweetie Belle sighed. Dammit, Iseult. "Ride. Flash Shield, Iseult! Clawdia moves, and I end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"I draw." Spark placed a card on top of Conroe. "Ride. Embodiment of Armor, Bahr, and Conroe moves behind him."

(RC) (Bahr) (RC)

(RC) (Conr) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0

"Conroe boosts Bahr! Attack!" The demonic armor spirit charged at the mage. (POW: 13000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Checking the drive trigger." Spark revealed Dragonic Overlord. "No trigger."

"Damage check." Epona? Ugh. "Critical get. All to Marron, but it's useless."

"One less trigger to worry about. I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn, draw." Sweetie drew upon her inner reserves of magic, fueling her eyes' mysterious power. Let's do this. "STAND UP MY AVATAR! BLASTER BLADE, MY VANGUARD!!!"

She slammed the card on Vanguard Circle, causing Marron to evaporate. In his place was Sweetie Belle herself, clad in white armor. A blade fell down from the sky, and she grabbed it easily. (G2/9000)

"Not done! Call! Gallatin!"

(RC) (BB) (Gallatin)

(RC) (Clwdia) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/1

"Clawdia boosts, Blaster Blade attacks!" Sweetie Belle charged at Bahr.

"No guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Check." Sweetie Belle revealed the King of Knights himself, Alfred. "No trigger."

"Damage check." Gattling Claw Dragon flew to the damage. "Just what I needed. Draw get, all to Vanguard."

"Dammit! I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1)

"My turn, stand and draw." Spark Light smirked. "I was right. You have gotten weaker."

Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth.

"Anyways, I'll end it next turn." He said, shocking his opponent. "I ride. Prowling Dragon, Striken."

Huh? That unit that can't attack? What is he planning... ?

"Not done. I call Nehalem and Berserk Dragon."

(Nehalem) (Striken) (Berserk)

(RC) (Conroe) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1

"Berserk Dragon attacks."

"No guard," Sweetie Belle revealed Soul Saver Dragon. "No trigger."

"Nehalem attacks."

"Tch... No guard, damage check... Llew."

"I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle smiled. "Spark?"

"Hmmm?"

"I'm going to show you how strong I really am."

"Just try."

Sweetie levitated a card in the air. Her eyes flashed violet, and Spark felt his surroundings melt. He suddenly saw a vast battlefield, with a single white flower in the middle. Spark... This is what I've wanted to show you... This is the real image...

Spark, however, just shook his head. He trotted over to the flower, and crushed it, making it dissipate. It's just as I thought. This isn't the real image of victory. This is just a sick illusion you created, Sweetie Belle. Stop this before it's too late. I'll even stay if you want.

So that's your decision, huh...?

Yes.

Then... I shall make you pay! Lord of the Holy Knights... Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed even more. "Give me the strength to lead! Stand up, my Vanguard! KING OF KNIGHTS, ALFRED!!!"

"Your vanguard... You say that, yet you do not know the meaning of the phrase." Spark glared at her. "It's not something you can just use when you want, Sweetie Belle!"

"So what? They're just my tools. All of you guys..." she retorted, motioning to the ponies present. "Are just diposables... To lead me to the real image of victory..."

"Is that so..." Spark muttered. Apple Bloom gritted her teeth, while Babs punched the wall.

"What the hell!? She just freakin' used us!?" Babs yelled, but Apple Bloom put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Ah don't think so." She replied, albeit trembling. "She wasn't always like this..."

"I call Akane, and use her Counterblast to Superior Call Pongal behind her! Not done. I also call Marron, and use Clawdia's skill! Alfred gets 3000 Power."

(Akane) (Alfred) (Gallatin)

(Pongal) (RC) (Marron)

Hand: 3, Damage: 2/3

"Alfred! Attack at 21000 Power!"

"Striken's skill grants him an extra 5000 power since Alfred isn't boosted, and I guard with Tahr and Gattling Claw!!!" (SLD: 25000)

"Twin drive check. First..." She revealed Epona. "All to Gallatin. Second... Alfred. No trigger."

"Boosted by Marron, Gallatin attacks at 23000!"

"No guard. Damage check." Dragonic Waterfall and Dragon Monk, Goku fell to the damage zone. "No triggers."

"Akane attacks with a boost from Pongal." (POW: 16000)

"No guard. Damage check... No trigger."

"Hmph. I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/3)

"My turn, stand and draw." Spark closed his eyes. "Do you feel any regret for using your friends to get a higher status?"

"Friends?" Sweetie Belle chuckled, then growled at him. "Who the heck cares about them!? They wen't there for me when I needed them the most anyways. Why should I feel regret about abandoning trash!? Don't make me laugh!"

Sweetie Belle tapped into her power again, making the area they were in Cray once more.

"If that's the case..." Spark opened his eyes, which looked fiercer than ever. "Then I'll destroy that screwed up illusion of yours! Final turn!"

"What!?"

"Dragon of the everlasting flames - Reduce everything in this world to ashes! RIDE THE VANGUARD! DRAGONIC OVERLORD, DESCEND!!!" He slammed the card onto the Vanguard Circle, causing a whirlwind of fire to burn away their surroundings.

"W-What!? My image is breaking!? But ho-" Sweetie suddenly gasped at the sight of the hellish beast, who looked... Angrier. Spark was surrounded by a swirling mass of flames, which kept on gnawing at the image Sweetie Belle created.

"I activate Conroe to search for Raopia, who I call behind Overlord. I'm also calling Bahr." Spark said. "Now... The end of this battle shall be decided by this skill! ETERNAL FLAME!!!"

Tch... I can feel my power draining... But... He doesn't have my power, so.... Why!? Why is he so strong!? Sweetie Belle thought.

(Nehalem) (DO) (Berserk)

(RCl) (Rpia) (Bahr)

Hand: 3, Damage: 4/4

"Dragonic Ovelord attacks Gallatin!" (POW: 21000)

"Tch... Guard with Epona and Gallatin!" (SLD: 25000)

"Drive check." He revealed Blue Ray Dracokid. "Critical get, and all effects." (POW: 26000 SLD: 25000)

"Dammit!" Sweetie Belle watched as Gallatin was engulfed in a maelstrom of fire.

"Dragonic Overlord stands. Now, he attacks Akane." Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth as Akane was retired. Spark revealed Berserk Dragon.

"Finally. Raopia boosts, and Overlord attacks! Now, Raopia's skill adds a bit more power, bringing the total to 36000 Power and three criticals!"

Sweetie Belle looked at her hand. Not enough... "No guard."

"Drive check!" Spark revealed Blue Ray Dracokid. "All effects!"

Dragonic Overlord's blade suddenly materialized in Spark's hoof, and Sweetie Belle was similarly holding the Blaster Blade. "Wha-"

Spark Light had suddenly appeared behind her, and thrust Overlord's saber through her. She coughed up some blood, and fell unconscious. The Blaster Blade landed nearby, eventually dissipating into blue sparkles. The colt left the three fillies alone in silence.

Apple Bloom was the first to get a grasp on what had just happened. "SWEETIE BELLE!"

Author's Note

This is an alternate use for the Author's Note! The Card Review! Today, we'll be reviewing:

Blaster Blade

Dragonic Overlord

Let's start!

BB: What can I say? It's a solid unit, and it makes RP... Well, feel like RP. It can retire G2 and higher, which is pretty useful. The cons are he can't target backrow units unless ridden and is CB-heavy (2 is a lot in RP since no unflippers), but that doesn't stop him from being awesome.

Unit rating: 7.4/10

DO: Holy crud. This guy is kinda lackluster nowadays, but it should not be underestimated. Overlord's base is a nice 11K, and although CB-heavy, is pretty damn good. Combine with Striken/Goku/Waterfall/Anything/Oh my Tia this is flexible as hell, and you've got a solid lineup. Plus the fact that he has THAT power...

Unit rating: 8.9/10

Ride 023 - PSY Qualia

Sweetie Belle trotted down the street.

"Final turn!" Spark yelled. She had been expecting this.

The tournament was months ago.

"Striken! Lend your power to the Crimson Reaper! ETERNAL FLAME!"

She'd been kicked out of the Crusaders, even though she was one of the founders. The nerve of those guys... They were probably too weak, anyways...

Sweetie Belle gasped as Overlord attacked her, at 41000 Power and 4 Criticals, thanks to triggers and Raopia.

She also heard that her former teammates quit right after, but that didn't matter now.

She fell unconscious as Dragonic Overlord burned away any remnants of the image she created. The last thing she saw was Overlord's blade protruding from her stomach as the Blaster Blade she was wielding began to disappear.

She was alone.

For the first time in her career as a Vanguard Fighter, she was alone. No teammates, no friends.

She felt a familiar power rise from within her, but she held it back. Not yet... Wait until we get to the clubhouse.

Sweetie Belle kept trotting. After a while, she was finally there. The Crusaders' Headquarters. She went inside, and looked at the cabinet.

"Time to get serious." Sweetie said, before blasting the cabinet away with a blast of green magic. She picked up a black box, and looked at the contents. Her Shadow Paladins. She let all the energy she'd been holding back flow out, creating a black aura around her.

"Oh, you already have them?" A male voice said. Sweetie Belle turned to see him.

Midnight Storm.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" she growled, focusing all of her power into a power source for her 'images'.

"Wasn't it obvious?" The purple, somewhat lavender-ish(?!) pegasus said, trotting towards her. She tried to step back, but she was cornered. Midnight looked into her eyes, with his own eyes glowing.

"I'm here to help build your Shadow Paladins."

"Help... Help me build my Shadow Paladins?" Sweetie shook her head. "That may be so, but why the hell should I trust you?"

"It's because we have the same powers." Midnight chirped, catching the unicorn off guard. "Apparently, you also have PSY Qualia."

"PSY... Qualia?"

"That's what it's called. You know, when you imagine something and it becomes real? Like this?" Midnight's eyes glew red, and Sweetie closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were on a barren landscape.

"W... What!?" She activated her own PSY Qualia, creating a tornado that tore at the surrounding image.

"Oh, crud." Midnight cancelled out both, returning them to the clubhouse. "Huh. So you already have some degree of control. Nice."

Sweetie Belle blushed, but shook her head. "Even so..."

"Well, you don't have friends anymore, right?" Sweetie Belle winced, but slowly nodded. "Perfect. I can help you get back at them."

Midnight fished put a card binder from his saddlebags(!?), and started flipping through the pages. A while later, he pulled out a bunch of cards, and gave them to Sweetie Belle.

"W-What?"

"Here. These should help." Midnight said. "This isn't that focused on sacrificing, and is a more refined version of your... 'teamwork'."

Sweetie Belle looked at the cards she was levitating. "T-Thanks, Midnight Sto-"

"Midnight. Just call me Midnight." the pegasus chuckles. "Your sis does the same, right?"

"Same what?"

"Not using the last name and all. Her last name is Belle, right?"

"Y-Yeah, but..."

"Here." Midnight said, ripping the cards from Sweetie Belle's magic grip. "Hmm... Remove this... Now that... Oooh, keep this."

As he said those words, he tossed away some cards. Sweetie caught them all. T-This guy...

"Aaand done." the purple pegasus smiled at her, returning the newly remade Shadow Paladins. "Wanna test it out?"

Sweetie nodded slowly.

"Good!" Midnight grabbed her hoof, and then ran away with her. "Let's go to that cardshop I saw a while ago!"

"... Hey, Midnight? Why is your fur purple?"

"What? This is my normal color. The black you usually see is just an illusion from a unicorn stylist. Don't mind it."

"...."

Later, at Card Capital...

"Oi, Sweets! Look at this!" Midnight smiled as he pointed to a Shadow Paladin card he had grabbed with his wing.

S-Sweets? A nickname already? she thought, but ignored it. "What is it?"

"Well, duh. Skull Witch, Nemain." Sweetie Belle looked at the card, and it was a 'scantily-clad'(?) elfmare holding up a skull. She blushed.

"Add it to your deck. Take out that single Fatalita." She nodded, and did as she was told. She thought about her situation. Her frie-no, they were not her friends. But... Gathering up her courage, she asked Midnight,

"Hey Midnight."

"Hmm?"

"Are we friends?"

An awkward silence hung in the air.

"... Well... I guess so? Yeah, we are." Midnight suddenly flashed a cheeky grin. "Just don't betray me."

Sweetie Belle smiled in return. "Sure."

And in that moment, the two ponies who had a similar, but at the same time different power and situation... Felt truly happy, unlike those previous times with their other so-called 'friends'.

"Oi! Sweetie Belle!"

The moment was interrupted by a loud call. Sweetie Belle turned to see Dinky Doo waving at her.

"Hey Sweets? This a friend of yours?"

"Yeah, but she's actually nice. However..." Sweetie Belle's eyes turned fierce. "I have a score to settle with her."

"You lost, right?" Midnight whistled. "Just don't get too serious. You might land somepony in the hospital. That reminds me, sorry about Regionals."

Sweetie Belle waved it off. "Don't worry about it. We didn't know each other back then."

"True, true..."

"Hey Sweetie? Oh! Hi Midnight!" Dinky smiled at the pegasus. She suddenly contemplated something. "Are you two dating?"

"W-What!?" Sweetie Belle nearly yelled. "No! He just helped me fix my deck!"

Midnight, however, was busy looking at some random pony's binder. He turned back to Dinky. "We're not dating. We just recently met, ya know."

Dinky nodded, and turned back to the white unicorn. "Wanna cardfight?"

"Sure." Midnight's wing suddenly pointed to an unoccupied MF System.

"Go for it." he whispered. Sweetie Belle nodded, and the two mares trotted over to the table. They placed their Vanguards faced down.

"Stand up-"

"-the-" Sweetie Belle added.

"-VANGUARD!!!"

"Godhawk, Ichibiyoshi!" A blue bird with a few trinkets on it materialized. (G0/5000)

"Fullbau!" A cybernetic black dog with a visor growled at the bird. (G0/5000)

"EH!? You're using Shadow Paladins!?" Dinky glared at Midnight. "You! What the heck did you do!?"

"I did nothing." Midnight frowned. "She already had that deck by the time I arrived."

"Sweetie Belle! Is this true?"

"Yeah. I got some BT04 Shadow Paladins to make a fun deck."

"Oh..." Dinky sighed, before turning to Midnight with an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"No problem."

"Anyways..." Sweetie motioned to the fight table. "You first."

"My turn, draw." Dinky grinned. "Activating Ichibiyoshi's skill. During the beginning of my ride phase, I can search the top five of my deck for a 'Goddess of the Crescent Moon, Tsukuyomi' and ride it, returning the others to the bottom in any order."

What!? A Superior Ride Chain!? Sweetie Belle turned to Midnight, who only nodded. Tch...

"... Aha! I found one!" Dinky grinned as a golden aura enveloped the card and slammed it into the Vanguard Circle, and returned the others to the bottom. "Magic can be quite useful, as it's less of a hassle this way. Also, I end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

That advantage engine... Just thank the gods that she stays at 7000 Power... Sweetie banished this thought. "My turn, draw. Ride! Blaster Javelin!"

A black knight holding a spear of sorts replaced the black dog. (G1/6000)

"Fullbau's skill allows me to search for Blaster Dark, and add him to my hand." Dinky winced at the card's mention, but did not say anything. "Javelin's passive gets him an extra 2000 Power."

"A Special Parallel Blaster Dark..." Midnight chuckled. "You lucky little vixen. It took me, what, three years just to get 2 of him. No SPs, either."

Sweetie Belle smirked at Dinky's shocked expression.

(RC) (BlstrJav) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 6, Damage: 0

"Javelin attacks Tsukuyomi!" (POW: 8000)

"No guard."

"Drive check!" Sweetie Belle revealed Death Feather Eagle. "Critical get! All to Vanguard!"

Dinky winced as Maiden of Libra and another Crescent Moon ended up in the damage zone. "Oh well. No triggers."

"I end my turn." (Hand: 7, Damage: 0)

"My turn, draw." Dinky motioned at her Vanguard. "Tsukuyomi's skill. I activate her skill to search the top five for... Aha! Goddess of the Half Moon, Tsukuyomi! SUPERIOR RIDE!!!"

Tch... More of those blasted hand cards saved...

"Half Moon's skill! Since I have both previous forms, I soulcharge two!" Psychic Bird and Gemini were sent into the soul. "Not done! I call Milk behind her, and I also call Gemini and Red Eye!"

Oh crud... At least it's not Tom..

(RedEye) (HlfMoonTsuk) (RC)

(Gemni) (WthrGrl,Milk) (RC)

Hand: 6, Hand: 0/1

"Boosted by Milk, Tsukuyomi attacks at 19000 due to Milk's skill!"

"Tch... No guard."

"Check." Dinky revealed CEO Amaterasu. "Ooh! No trigger."

"Damage check." Sweetie Belle sent Blaster Javelin to the damage zone. "No trigger."

"Gemini boosts, Red Eye attacks at 17000!"

Should I guard it? she thought, but she had an idea. She activated her PSY Qualia, hearing her deck's voice.

Sacrifices are necessary. Don't guard, and she'll end up... The voice disappeared.

"No guard. Damage check..." She revealed Abyss Freezer. "All to Vanguard, and I draw!"

"Red Eye's skill. Soulcha-" Dinky was cut off by the card she revealed. "... Full Moon Tsukuyomi."

So that's what it meant... Sweetie's eyes widened.

"Tch... I end my turn." (Hand: 7, Damage: 0/1)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle looked at Blaster Dark. She smiled, before she levitated the card in the air and closed her eyes.

"Oh? So it's time, eh?" Midnight chuckled.

"Only those with power..." Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, which were glowing a bright purple. "Deserve glory. DESTROY EVERYTHING, MY AVATAR! BLASTER DARK!!!"

"W-What!?" Dinky took a step back. "Your avatar...!? What about Blaster Blade!?"

"He... Was too weak." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed even brighter. "Now, where was I? Yes... Activating Blaster Dark's Counterblast! I retire Red Eye! "

"Tch..." Dinky sent the card to the drop zone.

"Not done! I call Nightmare Painter behind him, and I put another Blaster Dark from my hand into the soul."

"Huh?"

"Oh! That combo." Midnight shakes his head. "Can you pull it off?"

"Yes, I can. Now, I call two copies of Rugos!"

(Rugos) (BD) (Rugos)

(NightP) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 2/2

"Rugos attacks!"

"Guard! Dream Eater!"

"Blaster Dark, attack!" Sweetie Belle assumed the form of the black knight, and charged at the chibi goddess riding on a hawk. (POW: 10000)

"No guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/1)

"Check." Sweetie Belle revealed... A black version of the King of Knights. "No trigger."

"Tch... Damage check." Dinky sent Psychic Bird to the damage zone. "All to Vanguard!"

"Painter boosts, and... Rugos!"

"Lozenge Magus!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"I end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn, stand and draw. Activating Tsukuyomi's skill!" Dinky searched the top five cards and smirked. "Nothing. Anyways..."

"Hmm?"

"Shining goddess... Resonate with the power of the sun! RIDE! CEO AMATERASU!!!"

Dinky appeared on the field, wearing an orange kimono with various ornaments. She levitated a circular mirror, blinding Blaster Dark. (G3/10000)

"Ammy's skill! I soulcharge, amd get to check the top card of my deck. I either choose to return it to the top, or send it to the bottom." Dinky looked at the card, and smirked. "It's staying."

Crud, I can't tell if she's bluffing or being serious... Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth.

Even I'll admit, she's strong... Midnight thought, looking at Dinky. One does not simply master Oracle Think Thank to this extent in a short time... She must have had a lot of practice with this deck online.

"Not done! Tagitsuhime! Silent Tom!"

(STom) (CEOAmmy) (Tagitsuhime)

(Gemi) (WG,Milk) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/2

Soul: 6

"Milk boosts, Amaterasu attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/2)

"Ehh... Drive check is Gemini." She revealed Gemini, true to her word. "Ammy's skill kicks in. Since I have four cards, she gets an extra 4000 Power. Second... Yes! Full Moon Tsukuyomi!"

"Damage check." Abyss Healer. "Get. All to Blaster Dark, and I heal one."

"Tom, attack with a boost from Gemini!" (POW: 16000)

"No Grade 0s, huh? Damage check..." Another Abyss Healer was revealed, as Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed violet. "Perfect. All to my rear-guard and I heal one."

"Tch... Tagitsuhime attacks your other Rugos! Since I have six soul, she gets an extra 3000 Power!" (POW: 12000)

"Guard, my servant." Sweetie Belle slammed Death Feather Eagle into the Guardian Circle.

"Hmm... I end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle grinned. "Let's see if you can survive this."

Dinky smirked in return. "I'll try."

"Vanguard of the darkness... Enter the fray, and lead me to victory!" Sweetie Belle's eyes burned with a purple fire, now visible to Dinky Doo.

"W-What!? Why are your eyes glowing!? Sweetie Belle!?"

"This is true power. RIDE THE VANGUARD! THE DARK DICTATOR, STAND UP!"

"The Dark Dictator!? Sweetie Belle..." Dinky glared at Midnight. "Did you-"

"What? I just helped Sweets complete her deck." Midnight smiled. "She is a friend, after all."

"The Dark Dictator's skill. I Soulblast three, and give 5000 Power to my front row rear-guards. "Open the path to the netherworld! TARTARUS GATEBREAK!!!"

"T-That's... Insane!"

"Not done. I call Charon and Blaster Javelin. Anyways, The Dark Dictator gets 2000 Power for every Shadow Paladin rear-guard I have."

(Rugos) (TDD) (Rugos)

(Charon) (RC) (BlstJavelin)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/2

"The Dark Dictator attacks at 18000 Power!" Sweetie Belle assumed the black king's form, and suddenly charged at the sun goddess who was gritting her teeth.

"Guard! Nike! Intercept, Tagitsuhime!" (SLD: 25000)

"Twin drive...!" Give it to any Rugos... "Grim Reaper! All to Rugos. Second...! Death Feather Eagle. All to the other Rugos!"

"Tch..." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2)

"Boosted by Blaster Javelin, Rugos attacks at 26000 Power and 2 Criticals!"

"Nullify! Battle Sister Chocolat!" Dinky dropped Silent Tom.

"Boosted by Charon, the other Rugos attacks at 28000, and 2 Criticals!"

"No guard." Dinky sent Red Eye and another CEO Amaterasu to the damage zone. "No triggers."

"I end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"My turn, stand and draw." Dinky glared at the dark king. "The setting sun shall give way to the moon... Who will dispel the darkness that plagues this world! OVERRIDE! Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi!!!"

"Darn..." So the moon goddess, huh? This is annoying... Crud, I don't mean you, Luna!

"Her skill allows her to stay at 11000 if the other parts of the chain are all in the soul. Now, since I have enough cards in the soul, I can now use her skill! Counterblast two! Moon Shadow Magatama! I draw two, and put a card from my hand into the soul. The card that's going is Dream Eater."

"Is it over?"

"Not yet. I activate Moon Shadow Magatama once more! Counterblast! I draw and put Half Moon into the soul! Luck Bird! Soulblast, and I draw! I call Tagitsuhime!"

(STom) (FullMoonTsuk) (Tagitsuhime)

(Gemi) (WeatherG,Milk) (Luck Bird)

Hand: 4, Damage: 4/4

Soul: 8

"Milk boosts, Tsukuyomi attacks at 21000!"

"No guard." TDD/Sweetie Belle braced for the moon goddess chibi's assault.

"Twin drive check. First," she revealed Oracle Guardian, Nike. "Crit to Vanguard, Power to Tom. Second... Silent Tom. No trigger."

"Damage check. First," Sweetie Belle sent Phantom Blaster Dragon the damage, making Dinky wince. "None. Second... Death Feather Eagle. All to Vanguard!"

"Tagitsuhime boosted by Luck Bird at 17000!"

"Guard. Grim Reaper!" (SLD: 25000)

"Boosted by Gemini, Tom attacks!" (POW: 21000)

"No guard. Damage check... Tch... Arianrhod, no trigger." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/5)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 4/4)

"To think that she can reverse the situation in one turn..." Midnight shook his head. "Even with PSY Qualia, this is going to be tough unless she rides... him."

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie smiled at Dinky, who took a step back. "Final turn."

"What!?"

"She drew it." Midnight chuckled. "She only has two copies, but she freakin' drew it. What a lucksacker."

"Oh, shut it." Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes, before facing Dinky once more. "Dinky, can you do me a favor?"

"Depends..."

"Picture it in your mind." Sweetie Belle activated her PSY Qualia's full power, forcefully engulfing them in a black mist that only the affected, a few special ponies, and fellow PSY users could see. "Dragon of Hell... Awaken from the gates of Tartarus, and bring death and despair to this world! OVERRIDE! PHANTOM BLASTER DRAGON, MY VANGUARD!!!"

The Dark Dictator vanished in a whirlwind of dark energy, being replaced by a giant dual-bladed lance. The lance was suddenly grabbed by a demonic black dragon, who swung it so hard that even its own allies immediately bowed down before it.

"Bow down before the dark dragon, or die. Give up now."

"I'll... NEVER GIVE UP!" Dinky/Tsukuyomi yelled.

"So be it, fool." In an instant, everything was covered in darkness.

"I call! Skull Witch, Nemain! Counterblast, and I drop one! I get to draw two!" Sweetie dropped Death Feather Eagle, and drew the two.

"You... You called it behind your Vanguard!?"

"You'll see." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed brighter, and eventually turned a dark blue. "Rugos... Blaster Javelin... Nemain... Give your lives to the cursed dragon! Counterblast! DAMNED CHARGING LANCE!"

"S-Sweetie Belle..." Dinky/Tsukuyomi said, nearly in tears. "Stop this...! This isn't you!"

"Oh, bit this is me. Let me guess, you don't have a Perfect Guard?" Sweetie Belle chuckled at Dinky's shocked expression. "It was kind of obvious. It was part of the stack, right?"

"P-please..."

"In that case, I call Abyss Freezer! Dark Mage, Badhabh Caar! His skill allows me to check the top card, and if it's a Shadow Paladin, call it! Aha! Blaster Dark!"

"T-Three units!? T-That means..."

"You guessed right. The cursed dragon spreads his black wings, and devours everything! Death and despair are my blades, DAMNED TWIN CHARGING LANCE!!!"

"... Why?" Dinky said, silent. "Why are you using such brutal tactics? Don't your allies mean anything to you?"

"... I lost all of my friends a month ago." Sweetie Belle said, calmly. "This is me casting away my old self. I call! Apocalypse Bat!"

(Rugos) (PhantmBD) (RC)

(Charon) (ApoBat) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 5/5

"Boosted by Apocalypse Bat, Phantom Blaster Dragon attacks. Apocalypse Bat's skill. Soulblast, and Blaster Dragon gets an extra 6000 Power! The total is... 41000 Power, and 3 Criticals."

"Guard! Psychic Bird! Nike! Silent Tom! Intercept, Tagitsuhime and Silent Tom!" (SLD: 46000)

"One to pass? First check," Sweetie Belle revealed Darkness Maiden, Macha. "Heh. Second..."

"Please..." Dinky gulped.

"Death Feather Eagle. Critical get." (POW: 46000, CRT: 4 SLD: 46000)

"ARGH!" Blaster Dragon swung his lance, creating blades of black wind to cut at Dinky/Tsukuyomi. The illusion faded.

Dinky dropped on the floor, unconscious. Sweetie Belle and Midnight snuck away while the others called for help.

Reaching an alley, the two looked at each other, and burst out laughing.

"GAHAHA! Did you see her face when she got slammed in the face by 46000 Power and 4 Criticals!?"

"Yeah! That was freaking awesome!" When they finally got a hold of themselves, they just grinned at each other. "You ready for a tournament right now?"

"Hell yes."

"Good. Diamond and Silvy are waiting for me at the Ponyville Colosseum. You'll debut as a the fourth member." Midnight chuckled. "I'll stay on the sidelines for now."

"What the heck are we waiting for!? Let's go!" Sweetie Belle took Midnight's hoof in hers, and ran straight to the arena, laughing along the way.

I finally... Got stronger.

Author's Note

Sweetie Belle: This is it! My return to the pro scene!

Diamond Tiara: WHAT!? Why is she joining!?

Silver Spoon: Yeah! [I'm actually okay with this...]

Sweetie Belle: Next time! Dragon of Hell! I'll show the world what I can do...

Midnight: You thought the author guy was dead, right? WRONG!

Ride 024 - Dragon of Hell

Scootaloo looked at Ponyville from a nearby hill.

She ran out of money, and was forced to come back. Albeit only to get her savings. Really, what was I thinking rushing out like that? I didn't even get to use my savings...

She trotted towards the town, spotting a poster. She read it.

VF Tournament today! Register ASAP, or be forced to watch the war between clans! Image it at Ponyville Colosseum!

Later, at Sweet Apple Acres...

"DAMMIT!"

Apple Bloom bucked an apple tree so hard that it nearly split in half.

"Whoa, sis! Ah may not know what yer so annoyed about, but don't take it out on the trees!" Her sister Applejack scolded. "That just ain't right!"

"Ugh... Sorry. I just..." Apple Bloom sighed. "I just can't believed I abandoned her like that."

"You didn't abandon her." A voice said, who turned out to be Babs carrying a bushel of apples. "You did what was right. She could've ended up hurting somepony."

"Y'all will probably be friends in a month or two again." Applejack said, before walking towards the farm's barn. "I'll just go fix the tractor. You girls go cool off in that stadium. Ah heard there was a tournament t'day."

"Let's go." Apple Bloom said, her cousin nodding in agreement.

Sweetie Belle stared at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"Midnight." Diamond muttered.

"Yes?"

"Why is she here?"

"She's my replacement for this tournament. I helped her fix up a Shadow Paladin deck."

Diamond smirked. "So she just copied you?"

"Not really. She focuses on powering up her rear-guards to insanely powerful lanes before sacrificing them when they're burnt out. I usually go for the easier way to victory, which is basically either of the two methods, not both." Midnight said, smiling. "We're similar in some ways, though."

Diamond Tiara turned to Sweetie Belle, and glared. "I don't know why the hell he chose you, but I'll trust him this time. Don't lose, you wimp."

"I agree. My old self was pretty much a wimp." Sweetie Belle said, shocking the pink mare. "However, I've gotten stronger."

"You better have." Diamond muttered, before walking away. Silver Spoon trotted near the white unicorn, and whispered,

"Good luck."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened, and she stared at the silver mare. Silver Spoon just winked, before following Diamond Tiara.

"Staring at their flanks?" Midnight asked. Sweetie Belle blushed, and vigorously shook her head.

"N-NO! What the hell are you thinking, perv!?"

Midnight stuck his tongue out, and motioned for her to follow. "Come on. The first round is about to start."

Later, in the colosseum..

Scootaloo stared at her ticket. It cost half of her savings, and might get her caught by Rainbow or the others, but...

This is so damn worth it.

She trotted to her seat, which was in the front row, right side of the stadium. She sat down, and started munching on the popcorn she bought.

Meanwhile...

"Hey, cuz! This a good seat?" Babs Seed motioned to two seats in the front row, in the left side of the area.

"Yeah, that'll do."

"Huh?" Babs saw the team rosters, and... Team Foo Fighter PSY was fighting against a relatively obscure team called "Team Clover".

It seemed that Diamond Tiara had won her match, but Silver Spoon... Lost!?

"Ah don't know this team, but they must be a tough bunch." said Apple Bloom.

"All the better." Babs smirks. "At least we see them suffer."

"True, true."

"Huh?" The announcer suddenly said. "Midnight is bowing out!?"

"WHAT!?" Babs, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo exclaimed.

"And... The replacement is-"

Somewhere in Ponyville...

Spark was boiling a pot of noodles, before putting them in a bowl. This is probably good enough...

He lived in a shoddy, nearly run-down apartment with a second floor that he could only afford due to the fact that his uncle owned the place. He was given a monthly salary by a few relatives plus a few donations, and that helped him immensely.

He looked at his relatively new CV, and turned it on. He picked up some chopsticks, and started eating.

"And the new member of Foo Fighter PSY is..."

"--SWEETIE BELLE!?!"

Spark Light spat out the noodles in his mouth, narrowly missing the CV. Sweetie Belle had entered the arena with a confident, yet emotionless face.

"W-What!?" He yelled, putting his food down. "No... NO!"

In the colosseum..

Scootaloo dropped her bag of popcorn in shock. Sweetie Belle's on the same team as those guys!?

"W-What the hell... Have I done?"

Meanwhile...

"She's... Part of them now...?" Babs' voice was nearly a whisper. Apple Bloom, on the other hand...

"NO! This is obviously some kind of mistake!" She snapped, shocking her cousin. "She'd never join them! She was forced to! She wouldn't..."

A cold feeling crept up her stomach, and stayed there.

"... W-Would she?"

In the arena...

Sweetie Belle basked in the glory of the arena, satisfied with everypony's shock at her existing in this place, at this moment. She almost never noticed her opponent.

Almost.

"U-Uh... H-Hello! My name is Blade Blocker...! N-Nice to meet you..." The unicorn colt stuttered. He had messy blue hair, a cyan coat, and blue eyes to match. He also looked like a mare more than a stallion, but it fit him... In some way. His cutie mark was a blue and silver shield.

"Yeah. Hey, weren't you the colt Scoot-I mean, an orange pegasus bumped into at Regionals?"

"W-What? How do you know about that?"

"Let's just say I used to be friends with that pegasus..."

"O-Oh... Sorry."

"Don't apologize. Let's just get this over with." They put their Vanguards faced down, and drew five cards. They returned a few cards, and added the same amount of returned cards from the top card of their deck to their hand after shuffling.

"Let's do this! Stand up-"

"S-Stand up-"

"-the-" both of them muttered, not noticing each other.

"-VANGUARD!!!"

"Stardust Trumpeter!" A pegasus filly with a red mane in twin buns holding a trumpet appeared. (G0/6000)

"Fullbau!" A black dog with matching armor and a visor growled at the pegasus. (G1/5000)

"EH!? Shadow Paladins!?" The announcer yelled, the audience too shocked to even speak.

"This deck... Wasn't copied, I assure you." Sweetie Belle smirked. "You can even ask my former teammate Apple Bloom if you want proof."

Spark's apartment...

"No... I've failed again..." He gritted his teeth.

"Where did I go wrong!?" He yelled, before getting up. He suddenly ran up the stairs, reaching a door. He bucked it open, and trotted inside.

It was his room.

It looked normal, having a bed, study table, and a drawer. He walked up to the drawer, and opened it. It contained a blue deckbox that had accumulated some dust, which he blew away.

"... I think... It's time... I have to get ready." Spark muttered, picking the deckbox up.

Back at Ponyville Colosseum...

"Ride! Blaster Javelin." Sweetie slammed the card onto the Vanguard Circle. "I use his skill to search for Blaster Dark, add him to my hand, and I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn, draw." Blade Blocker suddenly glared at Sweetie Belle, catching her off guard. "Ride! Little Sage, Marron! Call! Barcgal, and I rest him to Superior Call Flogal! I call Llew from my hand!"

Blade Blocker became the pony-mage, with several dogs and a blond knight beside him.

Huh? Barcgal? Sweetie Belle stared at the robotic canine. He's probably using him to get a full field easily as setup for Alfred...

(Flgl) (Marron) (RC)

(Barcgl) (Llew) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0

"Llew boosts, and Marron attacks!" Marron/Blade Blocker charged a spell. (POW: 12000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Check." The colt revealed Alabaster Owl. "Critical get! Crit to Marron, Power to Flogal!"

Wait... Could it be that he's running 10 Criticals and only 2 Flogals...? It would make sense since he Superior Called one... Sweetie Belle thought as she performed the damage checks. "No triggers."

"Flogal attacks! (POW: 10000)

"Guard! Abyss Freezer!"

"I end." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0)

"My turn, draw." Sweetie Belle felt a strange power envelop her. PSY Qualia...? No... This is different... "This... Is my avatar's power! Blade of resolve... Thunder forth! BLASTER DARK, RIDE THE VANGUARD!!!"

Blade Blocker winced.

"Counterblast! Die, Llew!" Don't kill Barcgal... Sweetie Belle's PSY Qualia went on overdrive, giving her complete instructions. "Now, I call Rugos!"

(Rugos) (BD) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 2/2

"Blaster Dark attacks!" Sweetie/Dark charged at Marron, covered in violet lightning. (POW: 10000)

"... Why?" Blade Blocker suddenly asked. "Isn't Blaster Blade your avatar?"

"Hmm? That weakling? Not now he isn't."

The colt gritted his teeth, but said, "No guard." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0)

"Check!" Sweetie Belle revealed Death Feather Eagle. "Critical to Blaster Dark, and power to Rugos!"

Sweetie/Dark crashed into Marron, impaling the young mage with her sword. Blade Blocker coughed, and took a step back before glaring at Sweetie Belle.

"D-Damage checks... No triggers."

"Rugos!" (POW: 15000)

"Guard! Alabaster Owl!" A white owl took the hit from the black soldier, dissolving into blue sparkles. (SLD: 18000)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn, stand and draw." Blade Blocker sighed. "I call Future Knight, Llew to the left Rear-guard Circle, and Young Pegasus Knight behind Marron. Another Young Pegasus Knight."

Huh? Llew? Sweetie Belle pondered, suddenly feeling tense. Don't tell me that...!?

"You got it." Blade Blocker said, smiling. "Three warriors... Bring forth the hidden power, and stand up the Vanguard! LLEW'S SKILL! SUPERIOR RIDE!"

He flipped one card in his damage zone, putting Llew, Flogal and Barcgal in the soul.

"Shine forth and erase the darkness! STAND UP MY AVATAR! BLASTER BLADE «ALTER»!!!"

"What!?" Sweetie Belle's eyes widened as she saw Blade Blocker assume Blaster Blade's form, although the warrior looked... Different. Wait... Isn't this the Blaster Blade with no abilities whatsoever!?

"I used to idolize you." The colt muttered, shocking Sweetie Belle. "Blaster Blade... That was your avatar, right? In this case..."

Blade glared at the shocked unicorn, his eyes glowing blue. He materialized a sword of light... But it wasn't the titular weapon that the knight used.

"I'll show you the power of friendship. Young Pegasus Knight gets 3000 Power for every card put in the soul during the main phase. In this case, since Riding is considered as putting a card in the soul, he gets 12000 Power. Same goes for the other one, who moves back. I also call Gallatin."

(RC) (BB«A») (Gallatin)

(RC) (YoungPK) (YPK)

Hand: 0, Damage: 1/2

"Blaster Blade attacks, with a boost from Young Pegasus Knight!" (POW: 27000)

"Tch..." So that's his plan... To boost his lanes to near-unguardable power in early game... "No guard."

"Drive check." He revealed Margal. "All to Gallatin, and I draw!"

What!? Does this mean... Rainbow triggers? No, he's probably running Flogal at 2, and has 2 of this Draw... Okay, that's unpredictable as hell... Sweetie Belle thought as she sent The Dark Dictator to the damage zone.

"Pegasus Knight boosts, and Gallatin attacks at 33000 Power!"

"No guard." Sweetie Belle winced as Nemain was sent to the damage zone. I should really get an extra copy... (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/4)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 2, Damage: 1/2)

"Stand and draw. You really don't get it, do you?" Sweetie Belle sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"I did this all voluntarily. And this," Sweetie Belle revealed Phantom Blaster Dragon, earning screams of shock from the crowd. "Is a testament to that. Cursed dragon, thunder forth and display your dark powers! Blanket the world in darkness! PHANTOM BLASTER DRAGON -- RIDE THE VANGUARD!!!"

She slammed the card onto Blaster Dark, causing a dark blue aura to materialize in the form of a demonic form. It latched onto Blaster Dark, forcing its way into his body. The knight slumped onto the ground, and was consumed by a torrent of black flames.

In his place was a black dragon wielding the depraved lance of darkness. (G3/11000)

In the arena's right side...

"N-No... She wouldn't..." Scootaloo muttered, before gritting her teeth and then yelling, "SWEETIE BELLE!"

In the arena's right side...

"SWEETIE BELLE!"

The mentioned unicorn turned to see Scootaloo. The arena screen also moved to view said pegasus.

"S... Scoots?"

"Y-Yeah... I'm back."

Sweetie Belle stayed silent, before grinning. "This is good. I get to show you my power as of now."

"Sweets... This is all wrong! Where's your Royal Paladins!? Blaster Blade!?"

"I lost them one month ago." The white unicorn snorted. "Ask Apple Bloom."

The name was spoken with so much venom that the orange pegasus moved back. "W-What!?"

"This is my clan now, and I don't think I'll ever go back..." Sweetie Belle turned to Blade Blocker, glaring. "Now where was I? Oh yeah. I call Caar, and superior call the top card of the deck."

She revealed another Caar, much to her opponent's surprise. "Again. I call... Charon! From my hand, Abyss Freezer! Now..."

Three of her rear-guards - The two Caars, and Abyss Freezer - were sent to the drop zone, after Sweetie Belle had Counterblasted two.

"Damned Charging Lance!"

"N-No..." Scootaloo muttered, not noticing two Earth Ponies approach her slowly.

(Rugos) (PBD) (RC)

(Charn) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 4/4

"Phantom Blaster Dragon attacks at 21000 Power!"

"N-No guard." (Hand: 2, Damage: 1/2)

"Twin drive, first," Sweetie Belle revealed Abyss Healer. "All to Rugos, and I heal. Second... Grim Reaper! Critical to Vanguard, and Power to Rugos!"

"AGH!" Phatom Blaster Dragon swung his lance at Blaster Blade, causing a shockwave of black flames to consume the knight. The top three cards of Blade's deck flew to the damage zone, none of which were triggers.

"Rugos!"

"Kkkhaa...." Blaster Blade/Blocker glared at the now attacking Rugos. "Nullify! Flash Shield, Iseult!"

"You managed to guard, huh? I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 3/3)

"My turn, stand and draw." Blade Blocker growled. "Guardian dragon of the sanctuary, erase the darkness with your holy power! ARC RIDE!!! SOUL SAVER DRAGON -- THE VANGUARD!!!"

He... He managed to draw Soul Saver Dragon!? Sweetie Belle stared at the colt, who removed five cards from his soul. This kid...

The holy dragon suddenly rose to the air, with a ball of light in its palm.

(RC) (SSD) (Gallatin)

(RC) (YPK) (YPK)

Hand: 0, Damage: 1/5

"Boosted by Pegasus Knight, Soul Saver attacks!" The white guardian shot a ball of energy at the dragon of darkness. (POW: 24000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 3/3)

"Twin drive. First," Blade Blocker revealed Alfred Early. "Tch, no trigger. Second... Epona! Critical get! Crit to Vanguard, Power to Gallatin!"

"Damage checks," Sweetie Belle sent Charon and Blaster Javelin to the damage zone. "No triggers."

"Gallatin, with a boost from Pegasus Knight!" The ninja lunged at Blaster Dragon, alongside a white teenage pegasus in gold armor. (POW: 31000)

"Nullify! Dark Shield, Mac Lir!" A warrior covered in heavy black armor blocked the attack with a shield pf darkness as Sweetie Belle dropped Macha.

"I... End." (Hand: 2, Damage: 1/5)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed violet. "Final turn."

"Tch..."

"Phantom Blaster Dragon attacks!"

"Guard, Epona!"

"How futile." Sweetie Belle activated her PSY Qualia, trapping them inside a realm of shadows. She was wielding Blaster Dragon's lance, and Blade Blocker was holding an orb of light. "I drive checked two Critical triggers and gave them all to the Vanguard, by the way."

"S-Stop this, Sweetie Belle!" The colt thought, being relayed to the unicorn telepathically.

"Sorry, too late." She stabbed him with the lance at an insane speed, giving the colt no time to react. The lance vaporized, leaving nothing but a gaping wound on Blade Blocker's stomach.

"P-Please... My Vangua-" he was cut off by the illusion breaking, and a magic-covered hoof connecting to his face. He was knocked back, landing on his haunches. Blood trickled from his mouth.

"Never. Ever. Say that in front of me." Sweetie Belle growled, as she shot a bolt of magic at the colt. The audience went into a panic as the colt started writhing in pain, and the top card of his deck flew to the damage zone without any intervention. It was over.

Sweetie Belle left the arena with a content smirk on her face.

Same time, at PSY's room in the arena's second floor...

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's jaws dropped at the unspeakable amount of cruelty their former victim displayed, as seen from the room's balcony.

"See what I mean?" Midnight chuckled. "She's pretty strong."

"You let a psychopath in our team!" Diamond yelled, causing Silver Spoon to snap out of her trance.

"Ah, but a gifted psychopath. And don't worry, she won't betray us."

"You better be right..." Diamond Tiara muttered, before turning to her best friend. "Silvy? You okay?"

Silver Spoon was too horrified to even speak. She stared at Midnight, who smiled. What did he do to her!?

Later on, in Sugarcube Corner...

"... And that's what happened during the past few months." Apple Bloom said, before taking a sip from her milkshake. Babs and Rainbow Dash were beside Scootaloo, consoling her

Scootaloo looked at her hooves. "This... Is all my fault... Damn it! I'm such a coward..."

Rainbow punched her, earning a yelp. "Yeah, that was kinda dumb of you to do. I mean, what the hell, Scoots!? You left us hanging! And Manehatten, to boot!?"

Scootaloo sighed. "I know, I'm an idiot. Sorry."

Rainbow facehoofed and sighed, before placing her hoof on Scootaloo's back. "Look, kid. You're not alone in this, and we're going to help bring her back."

The orange pegasus' eyes widened. "H-How?"

"We're going to tell Rarity about this. All of it."

Author's Note

Sweetie Belle: This... Is power.

Diamond Tiara: Ugh. We got a power-hungry psycho as our teammate. Can this get any worse? Silvy?

Silver Spoon: Y-Yeah... Next time, Counterattack! The quest against darkness begins...

Midnight: And sorry for the deleted chapter-Oh, what!? YAY! Update: The deleted but found chapter is now part of Ride 22! We didn't find it in full so... Sorry if it's a little different... Hehe...

Ride 025 - Counterattack

Rarity smiled at the rows of dresses she had made. Ah... I'm finally done for the week! It's time to rela-

Her thoughts were cut off by a loud banging from the door. She groaned. Ugh... Never mind...

"Wait, I'm coming!" As she made her way over to the door, she looked at a blue card with several blue sapphires that had toppled on her worktable. She smiled, before propping it back up and answering the door.

"Welcome to the Carousel Bouti-" She was cut off by an impatient hoof in the air.

"Miss Rarity." She looked at her 'customer'. "I need your help. But before that, I need to tell you something. It's about your sister."

Rarity stayed silent for a moment, before nodding. "Come in."

Spark Light entered the store.

The two ponies sat on opposite couches, occasionally taking a sip of tea, or getting a refill from the teapot on the small table in front of them.

"What did you want to tell me about Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked. "She's been with Mom and Dad, so I really don't know what happened these past few months."

Spark sighed. "She's fallen to the dark side. As in the Shadow Paladins."

"What!?"

"And I'm taking the blame for this, so if you want to beat me up, this is the most appropriate moment." The colt replied, his face totally calm. Rarity just sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"I'm sorry for what happened months ago... But that isn't the issue here. Explain everything."

"Everything? Okay. But first..." Spark brings out a blue deckbox. "Touch this deck."

Rarity nodded, and a sudden burst of light consumed them. They were suddenly at Ponyville. However, it looked different... Everything was less advanced, and The Everfree hadn't consumed most of the town. They were above a fairly large house, which had a small garden, playground, and swimming pool.

"Spark Light? W-What is this!?" The colt said nothing, and pointed at Rarity. She looked at her body, and gasped. She was translucent, and was levitating like Spark. "Explain this...!"

"This is the Power of Images." he says. "It's when a deck... Summons memories from the past. In this case, four years ago."

"W-What has this to do with my sister!?"

"It has everything to do with her." Spark stares at Rarity. "Have you ever heard of The Eyes of Cray?"

"The Eyes... Of Cray?"

"Okay, that means a no. Just keep watching." Spark pointed to the house below them. A white colt with green hair stepped out of the door, looking at the ground.

Rarity stared at Spark, before watching the scene below her unfold.

"Oi, Spark! What the heck are you doing!?" A voice from inside called.

"Nothing... I'm just going out, okay?" Younger Spark tilted his head. "Miss Lemon Hearts?"

A yellow unicorn with a curly blue mane stepped out, her face showing an expression of concern. "Dear... It's only been months since the... accident, and you haven't talked to the others... They're getting worried about you."

"Then let them worry. I'm going." The younger pony trotted away, leaving a sighing caretaker. Rarity gasped.

"What is it?" Spark said, raising an eyebrow.

"Y-Y-You're from-"

"The orphanage? Yeah, until my uncle decided to let me live in my own, in his old apartment."

The white unicorn just stared at the colt, who motioned to the scenes below them once more. Younger Spark was now at the doors of a shop, and he trotted inside.

Oi. The colt turned to see a purple pegasus colt with a red mane, grinning. Beside him was smirking, blue-haired unicorn mare, who looked older than the other two. "Hi, Spark. This is Beats. She's moved in recently, and she says she wants to fight the strongest fighter here."

"I-Isn't that the ruffian who injured Sweetie Belle during Regionals!? Are you his ally!?" Rarity yelled, but Spark ignored her.

"Aren't you the strongest?" Younger Spark smirked, making Midnight scratch his head.

"N-Not really... Hehe... I just sack triggers a lot."

"Are any of you fighting me?" Beats said, an unamused expression on her face. Spark nodded, and they went to a VF Table. They put their Vanguards faced down.

"Stand up-"

"-VANGUARD!!!" A sudden surge of red and pink flames consumed them.

Meanwhile, at The Crusaders' Clubhouse...

"Okay, guys." Scootaloo grinned. "Here's the plan. We break into PSY's Headquarters. I fight Sweetie Belle, win, and convince her to come back. Any questions?"

Apple Bloom looked at her, unamused. "Really? After 2 days, that's your 'Master Plan' to stop an insanely powerful Shadow Paladin user?"

"Yeah. I even got Silver Spoon to work with us."

"What!?" Babs yelled, slamming her hoof onto a table. "Why did you do that!? And can we even trust her!?"

"Don't worry." Scootaloo shrugged it off. "She's against what her teammates are doing, and is actually pretty nice. Didn't stop me from giving her a beating, though..."

The two Apples stared at Scootaloo with a horrified expression on their faces.

"What?"

"You... Beat her up...!? When!? What the hay, Scoots!"

"Heck no. I just destroyed her with my improved Murakumo deck right after we met up at Sugarcube Corner." The pegasus smirked. "If Silver Spoon can't handle me, then what chance does Sweetie Belle has?"

"You sound like an arrogant douche, if ya ask me." Babs said, glaring at the pegasus. Scootaloo just shrugged.

"I mean, it's Phantom Blaster Dragon. When you think about it, if you survive Damned Charging Lance and Tartarus Gatebreak, she's literally nothing." Scootaloo grinned. "And I have a card that can limit her to using only one of those moves."

Silence filled the room.

"Are... Are you talking about ZANBAKU's u-ultimate skill...!?" Babs muttered. "You haven't... You wouldn't...!"

"Yes, I will." The orange pegasus picked up her black deckbox with an expression of determination. "This deck is specifically tailored to make ZANBAKU work as soon as possible, with my Rear-guard units also going all-out. There's no way I can lose."

"Now, let's start our war."

Meanwhile, at Carousel Boutique...

"AGH!" Beats screamed as she took her sixth damage. A large dragon with an even bigger cannon on its back dissipated into pink mist. "Even my 'Gun Salute Dragon, End of Stage' was not enough...!? How!? How can you have a Vanguard that attacks with so much power!?"

"I dunno. I guess you're just weak." Younger Spark smirked, causing the unicorn to glare at him.

"You little...! Take this!" The unicorn's eyes and horn glowed, and she shot a bolt of lightning at the colt. Spark braced for the shock, but was suddenly shoved aside by...

"M-Midnight!?" The pegasus collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. Beats' eyes widened, and she quickly fled the scene. "S-Say something!"

Midnight opened his eyes, but... They were different. The innocent gaze he had was gone, and it was replaced by that of a predatory animal seeking its prey.

"I... I have to get stronger." His eyes glowed bright red and the image faded, leaving a dumbstruck Element of Generosity and a silent colt. A heavy silence hung in the air.

"W... Why have you decided to show me this?" Rarity muttered.

"You're her older sister. I'm basically asking permission to use," Spark revealed the top card inside the blue deckbox, making Rarity gasp. "This unit against her."

Rarity stayed silent, but the door was suddenly flung open. Rainbow Dash's head poked out, and looked at the white unicorn.

"Rarity! I have to show you... What's he doing here?"

At Foo Fighter PSY Headquarters...

"Hey, Silvy?" Sweetie Belle was walking with Silver Spoon down a hallway. "Where are Midnight and Diamond Tiara?"

"I don't know." The gray mare replied, adjusting her glasses. "Something about getting new ace cards. Anyways, let's go to the training room."

They arrived at a blue door which Silver opened, revealing a large field with two MF Systems... And three fillies.

"What the hell are they doing here!?" Sweetie Belle glared at the bespectacled mare, who said nothing. "Fine. I'm dealing with them myself."

Approaching the rest of the Crusaders, she smirked at them. Apple Bloom trotted towards her and held her hoof out.

"Sweets, Ah'm-" She was cut off by her hoof being slapped away and getting knocked away by an emerald lightning blast. She slammed against the steel wall, coughing up blood.

"Don't. You. Dare. Touch me." Sweetie Belle growled, before slamming Babs into the wall with a magical construct, making her scream several obscenities. "Scootaloo. What the hell are you here for?"

"Let her go." The pegasus muttered. With a flash, the Babs was on the ground.

Silver Spoon was too shocked to say anything. This was worse than I thought... Way worse... Scootaloo, it's all up to you now.

"S-Scoots... She's different now..." Babs coughed. Scootaloo nodded, and the two fighters went to the opposite sides of the field. Sweetie Belle was on the left, and Scootaloo on the right. They placed their Vanguards faced down.

"This fight... I'll put everything on the line!"

"Just try it! Stand up-"

"Stand up-"

"-the-" Sweetie Belle muttered, her eyes flashing purple.

"-VANGUARD!!!" They flipped their cards over, causing the MF Systems to summon an environment; in this case, a dark valley in the Dragon Empire.

"Fullbau!" An armored black dog suddenly appeared, growling at the opposing fighter.

"Stealth Beast, Evil Ferret!" A white ferret in a purple ninja attire appeared, brandishing a kunai.

"I go first, draw. Ride! Blaster Javelin! I use his skill to get Blaster Dark, and I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn, draw. I ride! Shijimamaru, and Ferret moves behind him." Scootaloo sighed. Even if I used Million Rat, he'd be worthless since Javelin is 8000 Power...

(RC) (Shijimm) (RC)

(RC) (EvilFerrt) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0

"Evil Ferret boosts, Shijimamaru attacks!" (POW: 13000)

"No guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Check." Scootaloo revealed ZANBAKU, making Sweetie Belle wince. "Heh... No trigger."

"Going all out, huh...? Check. Abyss Freezer, all to Vanguard and I draw."

"I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed violet momentarily, attracting Scootaloo's attemtion.

"Did... Did your eyes just glow!?"

"Huh?" Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in realization. "No... NO! You couldn't be one of them... You don't have PSY Qualia, so...!?"

"PSY Qualia!?" Scootaloo yelled. "What the hell are you talking about!?"

"How about I show you?" The unicorn smirked, her pupils totally consumed by a void of purple energy. "Blade of everlasting darkness... Thunder forth and destroy everything! RIDE! BLASTER DARK -- MY AVATAR!!!"

A black knight descended on the battlefield, glaring at the ninjas in front of him. He swung his sword, which caused a torrent of black wind to envelop himself. (G2/10000)

"I call. Nemain. Counterblast, I drop Phantom Blaster Dragon, and draw two cards." Sweetie Belle smirked. "I call Charon behind Nemain."

(RC) (BD) (Nemain)

(RC) (RC) (Charon)

Hand: 7, Damage: 1/1

"Blaster Dark attacks!" Sweetie Belle took the knight's form, and charged at Shijimamaru. (POW: 10000)

"Guard! Moon Edge!" A feline-like rogue appeared, causing Sweetie Belle/Blaster Dark to jump back. (SLD Total: 18000)

"Drive check." Sweetie Belle levitated Grim Reaper and she swung her sword at the rogue, causing it to disappear. "All to Nemain!"

"AGH!" Scootaloo yelled as she was electrocuted by Nemain's magic. "N-No triggers..." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 8, Damage: 1/1)

"My turn, stand and draw." Scootaloo glared at the black warrior in front of her, before smirking. "This is the perfect opportunity to use that combo."

"Hmm?"

"Ride! Bloody Mist! Now, I activate Ferret! He's going to the bottom of the deck, and I Superior Call Midnight Crow from my hand! Counterblast! I Superior Call another Crow from the deck, to the field! Now, I call Shijimamaru!"

(MidCrow) (BloMi) (MidCrow)

(Shijimmr) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 1/2

"Midnight Crow attacks Nemain!" The Warbeast threw a kunai at the witch, causing her to dissipate into violet sparkles. "Now, my Vanguard attacks!"

"No guard." (Hand: 8, Damage: 1/1)

"Check." Scootaloo revealed Moon Edge. "Booyah! Critical to Vanguard!"

"Damage check. First," Abyss Freezer was revealed, and glowed a bright red. "I draw a card, and extra Power to Blaster Dark. Second... Abyss Healer. All to Vanguard, and I heal one damage."

"Tch... Boosted by Shijimamaru, Midnight Crow attacks!" (POW: 21000)

"Guard. Blaster Javelin." (SLD: 25000)

"Tch... I end my turn. One Midnight Crow is returned to my hand. The other goes to the bottom of my deck." (Hand: 5, Damage: 1/2)

"My turn, draw." Sweetie Belle sighed. "You know, Scoots, it's not too late. You can join PSY. Silvy and I will vouch for you, and Midnight would most likely approve, so..."

"Over my dead body." The pegasus snarled. "Now, are you going to ride something!?"

"Fine." Sweetie Belle's eyes suddenly stopped glowing. In a split second, a whirlwind of purple energy surrounded everypony present, and they were suddenly on the planet known as Cray. The area chosen was a dark, misty valley with various spires of rock at night, with both of the planet's moons in the sky. "Cursed dragon of Tartarus... Thunder forth and display your dark powers! Destroy everything! I RIDE MY VANGUARD! PHANTOM BLASTER DRAGON!!!"

In an instant, the warrior of darkness was gone. In his place was the black dragon, gripping its demonic lance. With a savage roar, it spun the lance around, causing a maelstrom of black energy to gather on the two blades. Its ebony scales didn't reflect any of the moonlight, causing it to have a surreal look. (G3/11000)

"Now, I call. Darkness Maiden, Macha! I use her Counterblast, and Superior Call Charon behind her! Not done. I also call Badhabh Caar, and Superior Call... Aha! Blaster Javelin! I activate his skill to discard The Dark Dictator, and search my deck for Blaster Dragon."

(Macha) (PBD) (Caar)

(Charon) (BJvl) (Charon)

Hand: 6, Damage: 2/2

"Boosted by Blaster Javelin, Phantom Blaster Dragon attacks!" (POW: 17000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 1/2)

"Twin drive, first," Sweetie Belle smirked as Death Feather Eagle's Critical symbol glowed a bright yellow. "Critical to the Vanguard, Power to Caar. Second... Blaster Dark. No trigger."

"Damage check... First... Aha! Cat Rouge! All to Vanguard, and I draw! Second... BOOYAH! Another Cat Rouge! All to Vanguard and I draw!"

"Tch... Charon boosts, Caar attacks!" (POW: 22000)

"No guard. Damage check... ZANBAKU." (Hand: 7, Damage: 1/5)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 8, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn, stand and draw. I ride! ZANBAKU (G3/11000)!" Scootaloo smirked as the dragon appeared beside her, gripping its cyan blade. "Call! Midnight Crow! Counterblast, Superior Call! Then, Shijimamaru!"

(MidCrow) (ZNBK) (MidCrow)

(Shijimmr) (RC) (Shijimmr)

Hand: 5, Damage: 1/5

"Zanbaku attacks!"

"No guard."

"Drive check. First," Scootaloo revealed Mandala Lord. "Second... Aha! Critical! Power to a Crow, and Critical to my Vanguard!"

Sweetie Belle winced as Charon and The Dark Dictator were sent to the damage zone. (Hand: 8, Damage: 2/4)

"Boosted by Shijimamaru, Midnight Crow attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"Guard. Death Feather Eagle."

"My other Crow!" (POW: 21000)

"No guard, damage check... Draw get, all to Vanguard and I draw."

"I end my turn. Midnight Crow returns to the bottom." (Hand: 7, Damage: 1/5)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed... Black!? "This is the final turn. Die, HUNTER!!!"

"H-Hunter...!?" Scootaloo stepped away as Sweetie Bell dropped a card from her hand. "What the hell are you talking about!?"

Sweetie Belle ignored her. "Dark dragon... Break through everything in this known world, and destroy the Vanguard! CROSSRIDE!!! Phantom... Blaster... OVERLORD!!!"

"B-Blaster... Overlord!? Ga... GAAAH!" Scootaloo screamed as a black dragon with gold armor all over its body appeared, brandishing twin blades.

"His passive skill. Blaster Overlord gets an extra 2000 Power at all times." Sweetie Belle declared, earning the shock of everypony. "This unit... It's called a Crossride. It's when a unit unleashes its inner rage, and surpasses its previous form."

"13000 Power base!? That's insane!" Scootaloo yelled, before getting silenced by a savage roar from the demonic dragon. "Aghh... Damn this...!"

(Macha) (PBO) (Caar)

(Charon) (BJvl) (Charon)

Hand: 7, Damage: 2/5

"Javelin boosts, and Phantom Blaster Overlord attacks! Now I activate his skill... Death and despair... Transcend this mortal plane, and plunge everything into eternal darkness! PERSONA BLAST!!! He gets 10000 Power and an extra Critical!"

"What!?" Scootaloo stared at Sweetie Belle as she Counterblasted 3 and discarded a copy of the card from her hand. "29000!? Of course I nullify! Leaves Mirage!" (Hand: 5, Damage: 1/5)

"Twin Drive check! First... Aha! Death Feather Eagle! All to Macha! Second... Booyah! Grim Reaper! Power to Caar, Critical to Macha!" Sweetie Belle's eyes lost their emerald color, and were pitch-black now. "Charon boosts, Caar attacks!"

"Guard! Moon Edge! Midnight Crow!"

"Macha, boosted by Charon, attacks!" The blue-haired unicorn mare in black armor charged, levitating her diamond-encrusted blade. (POW: 21000, CRT: 3)

"I... Can't guard..." For the first time in a long time, Scootaloo despised having two Mandala Lords in her hand. "D-Damage... First... AHA! Heal get!"

A twister of blue wind ripped through the Image of Cray, and ZANBAKU tried to stand up despite being repeatedly stabbed by Macha.

"W-What's happening!? Sweetie Belle!?" Scootaloo yelled, before she felt something melt on her left front hoof. It was the Image itself. "H-Huh?"

"Hunters... Near-ordinary ponies that can negate the effects of PSY Qualia..." Sweetie Belle said, her voice filled with contempt. "You're one of them, huh? No matter. My PSY Qualia will destroy you."

"Tch...! Second check... HECK YEAH! Heal get, all to Vanguard!" The twister intensified, causing Sweetie Belle's black eyes to momentarily flash purple. "T-Third..."

Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth as she watched Scootaloo's nervous hoof reach for the top card of her deck. She revealed...

"Please..."

"... Not a heal..."

"... HEAL GET!" Scootaloo yelled, revealing the top card. It was Midnight Crow. The battle was over, and ZANBAKU disintegrated.

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom yelled, before running over to her friend. Scootaloo was looking at her hooves. "Are you alright?"

"I-I... Lost... I was too weak..." The pegasus muttered, before bursting into tears. "That's it... It's over. She's won."

"Hah... See that Silvy? I-I was strong enough..." Sweetie Belle said, not noticing Silver Spoon's look of horror.

"What... What was that unit!?" Silvy yelled. "Did Midnight give it to you!?"

"Y-Yeah... He's off looking for a full four copies of that unit so he himself can use them, but for the meantime I'm using his spare two since they were old anyways..." Sweetie Belle grinned. "The Crossride System is the strongest. Nothing can beat it-"

"Would you like to test that?" A new voice said, before revealing himself to be... Spark Light, who was wearing a gray scarf. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were behind him, before they noticed the Crusaders.

"Squirt!" Rainbow yelled, beside the orange pegasus in an instant. "Are you okay?"

"I... Couldn't beat... Her..." Scootaloo sobbed into Rainbow Dash's shoulder, while the cyan mare nodded at Spark Light.

"Sweetie Belle..." Rarity muttered, before her sister smiled at her like nothing was wrong. "What have you done?"

"Oh, hi sis! I've gotten a lot stronger." Sweetie Belle's expression suddenly turned into one of anger. "Why are you here, Spark Light? Or should I say...."

"... The PSY Qualia Breaker?" Sweetie Belle grinned psychotically. "You're the first ever Hunter, and the most powerful one as well, am I right?"

The entire room froze at the mention of the name. This colt... Had such a vicious title?

"I'm here to fight you." Spark closed his eyes. "Just this once... I'll bring back the colt you met three years ago."

"Too bad. The old me is dead. This is the new, improved me." Sweetie Belle said, before organizing her cards in a flash. Spark went to where Scootaloo's deck was, and fixed it up before giving it to the pegasus. The arena had a tense atmosphere as the two Vanguards put their Starters faced down.

"Let's finish this, Hunter! Stand up-"

"Stand up-"

"-the-"

"-VANGUARD!!!" A torrent of red and dark blue flames tore at the surroundings, creating a vortex of unspeakably strong energy around the two fighters.

Author's Note

Scootaloo: I was too weak... I failed her...

Sweetie Belle: This is me at my strongest! Come at me, Spark!

Spark Light: If you say so...! RIDE!

Sweetie Belle: The King of Knights...! What's happening to it!? W... What the hell is this!?

Spark Light: This is the power of bonds! This is the true image! Next time of Cardfight!! Vanguard - EA: Judgement! Final turn!

Sweetie Belle: In that case... I also have a trump card. Break through, Blaster Overlord!

Ride 026 - Judgement

"Let's finish this, Hunter! Stand up-"

"Stand up-"

"-the-"

"-VANGUARD!" A torrent of dark blue and crimson flames tore at the surroundings, morphing it into a barren desert at night. There were tall spires of rock, each tipped with a blue crystal.

"Fullbau!" A black dog with a visor growled as it materialized beside Sweetie Belle, who smirked. (G0/5000)

"Wingal Brave!" Lightning suddenly struck the ground beside Spark, and a blue Vanguard Circle appeared. In the middle of it was the High Beast Wingal, clad in battle armor and a dagger similar to the Blaster Blade. (G0/5000)

"Wingal... Brave?" Sweetie Belle muttered in awe. "I haven't heard of that unit before. Is it new or something?"

Spark shook his head. "This starter was released before you even started playing Vanguard, like Clawdia. It's even rarer nowadays, apparently."

"No matter. A new starter won't help you beat my Crossride."

"Or will it? My turn first, I draw. Ride, the Vanguard! Little Sage, Marron!" A bespectacled unicorn in blue robes replaced Wingal, who simply moved behind him. "Wingal moves back, and I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"I draw. Ride, Blaster Javelin." An Earth Pony with a javelin replaced the High Dog, and suddenly yelled. A dark blue Vanguard Circle appears under him. "Javelin's skill nets him a plus 2000 at all times. Also, Fullbau's skill triggers. I search my deck for..."

"... My avatar, Blaster Dark."

(RC) (BlstJvl) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 6, Damage: 0

"Blaster Javelin attacks!"

"I don't guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Check the drive trigger..." Sweetie Belle revealed Grim Reaper. "Aha! All to Vanguard! Javelin deals an extra damage!"

"Damage trigger... First," Spark revealed Gallatin, and sent him to the damage zone. "No trigger. Second... Margal. All to Marron, and I draw an extra card."

"Tch... I end my turn." (Hand: 7, Damage: 0)

"My turn, stand and draw." Spark sighed. "I'll ask you again. Sweetie Belle... You can still come back. You'd have to apologize to Dinky, Rumble, and all the others, but it'll be worth it."

Sweetie Belle just smirked. "Aww, isn't that sweet? Li'l old Sparky-warky actually cares for others. Too bad. I'll repeat what I said; The old me is dead. I don't care about who I hurt, as long as I get power."

In the audience...

Sweetie Belle... What are you saying?! Rarity thought, horrified. "... Why, Sweetie Belle? Why do seek power so much?"

Back in the Fight Field...

"Well... Since that is your answer..." Spark glared at Sweetie Belle. "Then I'll shatter that illusion of yours!"

"W... What?!"

"Shining white blade of Sanctuary... Defend the weak, and shatter all that is evil! STAND UP, OUR AVATAR! BLASTER BLADE!!!"

A torrent of crimson flames suddenly surrounded Spark, who slammed the card onto the Vanguard Circle. Blaster Blade appeared, with overlapping red and blue Vanguard Circles beneath him. He pointed his sword at Javelin and Sweetie Belle, who stepped back. (G2/9000)

"Now call! Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere! Knight of Friendship, Kay!" The two unicorns wearing silver armor appeared, levitating their glowing blades, although Kay also had a large gauntlet. "These two units... They get 3000 Power when attacking, if my Vanguard has "Blaster" in their card name!"

Sweetie Belle smirked at this. "So... They could work with my Blaster Ride chain, then?"

"Most likely. But good luck finding them."

"It's probably another old unit anyways. Again, they won't help you survive my Blaster series." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed bright violet. "The sheer willpower of their souls... hunger the Dragon of Tartarus."

(Kay) (BB) (Bedivere)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/2

"Kay attacks Blaster Javelin!" The unicorn charged, seemingly prioritizing his gauntlet's attacking power over that of his sword. (POW: 10000)

"Guard! Grim Reaper!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Wingal boosts! Blaster Blade, attack! Buster Crash!" The white knight charged, his sword in a reverse grip. (POW: 14000)

"No guard."

"Check the drive trigger!" Spark revealed Llew. "Power to Bedivere, the rest to Blaster Blade!"

"Damage checks... No triggers, ugh." Phantom Blaster Dragon and Skull Witch, Nemain were sent to the damage zone.

"Bedivere! Attack at 17000 Power!" Sweetie Belle winced as her damage check revealed Charon. "I end my turn here." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2)

"My turn, draw." Sweetie Belle's eyes glowed violet. "Awaken once more, Blade of Determination! Enveloping everything in darkness, my avatar descends! THUNDER FORTH! BLASTER DARK!"

"Blaster Dark..." Spark muttered.

"Now, I call Macha and use her skill! I Superior Call Charon! Now, I call Knight of Nullity, Masquerade!"

(Macha) (BD) (KoN,Masq)

(Charon) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 2/3

"Masquerade attacks Blaster Blade! His skill's the same as Bedivere, by the way!" The masked pony in azure armor lunged at the white knight, levitating his enormous blade. (POW: 12000)

"Intercept, Bedievere!"

"Blaster Dark attacks!" The black knight charged...

"Llew guards!" ... But was met by a blonde squire and the white knight, and was forced to retreat.

"Check... Aha! Phantom Blaster Dragon! Just what I needed. Now, boosted by Charon, Macha attacks at 16000!"

"No guard. Damage check... No trigger." (Hand: 3, Damage: 0/3)

"I guess I end my turn here." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/3)

"Damn... This fight is getting serious..." Rainbow muttered. Scootaloo nodded, having finally stopped crying. "That kid is gonna ride a Grade 3 now, right? Soul Saver Dragon seems cool."

"Yeah, but he doesn't have enough rear-guards or soul." Scootaloo gritted her teeth. "Not to mention even Alfred's consistent 20000 Power won't have any effect one she hits a Grade 3 like Blaster Dragon. Let's face it, Sweetie Belle's old deck was pretty much crap without Barcgal. Damn restriction list."

"Oh, don't worry. He's altered the deck. With my consent, of course." said Rarity, shocking the pegasi. "Where do you think Wingal Brave came from? And besides... He has a trump card."

"A... Trump card?" Scootaloo gulped. Whatever it is, it needs to kll her before she activates Blaster Overlord...

"King of the holy knights... Enter the fray, and lead me to victory! THE KING IS HERE! Ride! King of Knights, Alfred!" Spark slammed the card onto the Vanguard Circle, causing an aura of blue fire to surround him. Alfred appeared, pointing his blade at Sweetie Belle and Blaster Dark. (G3/10000)

"Now, Kay moves back and I activate his skill! Counterblast! I superior call from the deck --"

"--Stand up once more, my avatar! Seek the Blade!"

"EH?!" Sweetie Belle yelled, before Alfred pointed his sword to the sky. A golden aura shot up, and exploded. "Is it possible...?!"

"I call! BLASTER BLADE!"

"What?! A second Blaster Blade?!" Scootaloo yelled, causing Rarity to grin. The pegasus looked at her. "You... Knew about this?"

"He just told me." Rarity said. "This is the card that can break her free from this madness."

A blinding light suddenly hit the place next to Spark, causing a shockwave. "This is... my second copy of Blaster Blade!"

"What?! Blaster Blade had a second copy?!"

"Yes. There are only two of these in existence." Spark glared at Sweetie Belle. "And I used to own both of them. This is the proof of my strength as a fighter, and my tie to you as a friend. Now, I call Gallatin."

(BB) (Alfred) (Gallatin)

(Kay) (WnglB) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 3/3

"Gallatin attacks Masquerade!"

"Macha intercepts!"

"Alfred attacks at 18000!"

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/3)

"Twin drive! First... Lien. No trigger. Second..." Spark revealed Epona, who was glowing yellow. "Critical to Alfred, the Power to Blaster Blade!"

"Damage check. First... Dark Dictator, no trigger. Second... Draw get. All to Vanguard and I draw."

"Finish it! Blaster Blade!" The white knight charged at his counterpart, his blade expanding to reveal multiple-colored energy flowing within. (POW: 21000)

"Guard. Grim Reaper." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/5)

"Tch... I end my turn." (Hand: 4, Damage: 3/3)

"My turn, stand and draw." Sweetie Belle smirked. "Sorry Sparkybutt, but I'll have to end it here. FINAL TURN!"

"Just try it!"

"Twisted dragon of darkness... Unveil your true form and plunge everything into despair! RIDE! PHANTOM BLASTER OVERLORD!" she yelled, slamming the card on top of Blaster Dark. In a shockwave of violet energy, Blaster Dark was replaced by a horrifying dragon with twin blades.

"I call Masquerade, Charon and Nightmare Painter. I use his skill to put Phantom Blaster Dragon into the soul." The demonic dragon roared, causing the violet flames to be drawn towards it. Spark gritted his teeth.

"Blaster Overlord already?! And she got the 13000 Base without Crossriding?!" Scootaloo yelled. "Damn it! He has no chance!"

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch, Scoots." Apple Bloom said, before seeing Scootaloo's glare. "Oh. Dang. Sorry."

"Not cool, Bloom. Not cool."

(KoN) (PBO) (KoN)

(Chn) (Chrn) (Chn)

Hand: 1, Damage: 2/5

"Boosted by Charon, Blaster Overlord attacks! Persona Blast! WRATH OF THE NIGHTMARE!" A black aura suddenly manifested, cobering Sweetie Belle. Her eyes turned pitch black, with green irises similar to those of a snake. "This attack will finish you off!"

Spark Light's eyes widened, and he threw a single card onto the Guardian Circle. "NULLIFY! Flash Shield, Iseult! Damnit...! I knew you couldn't be that cruel without external influence...! PSY Qualia... and the Nightmare?! Wait... NO! That's not the monster that took control of Ponyville years ago...! That's--"

"-- her own desire?!"

Rarity collapsed onto her haunches. My sister... My sweet, adorable little sister... Summoned a power that's similar to that same darkness that took control of me three years ago...?! What... What in the world happened to her?!

"Tell me Sweetie Belle!" Spark yelled as the dark dragon charged towards him. "What is it that made you so desperately seek power?! TELL ME!"

"You want an answer? It's too late, I suppose, but why not? What my old self wanted was... To be able to protect my friends, make Scootaloo come back, and to earn your respect. It was a simple, naïve cluster of wishes. Kind of pathetic, huh?"

Spark Light and Rarity's eyes widened. Scootaloo and the others just collapsed on their haunches, unable to say anything.

"Now, checking the drive trigger. First... Mac Lir, no trigger. Second," Sweetie Belle revealed Death Feather Eagle. "All to Masquerade!"

Spark stayed silent.

"Boosted by Painter, Masquerade attacks!" (POW: 18000)

"G... Guard, Margal. Intercept, Blaster Blade." (Hand: 3, Damage: 3/3)

"Masquerade attacks, boosted by Charon!" (POW: 25000)

The top two cards of Spark's deck flew to his damage zone. "No triggers."

"Hmph. I guess I end my turn here." (Hand: 3, Damage: 5/5)

"Sweetie Belle."

"Hmm? What is it now? Have you finally given into despair?"

[BGM: Believe In My Existence]

"... I'll bring you back, no matter what! Final Turn!"

"W... What the hell are you saying?!"

"My turn, stand and draw." Spark drew the top card, and his eyes widened. "Let's end this! "White blade of courage... Awaken your true power, and realize you're not alone! THE POWER OF BONDS WILL BREAK THROUGH THE DARKNESS! With my allies... I RIDE THE VANGUARD! Stand up, OUR AVATAR! BLASTER BLADE -- BURST!"

A blast of rainbow energy shot down on Alfred, causing an explosion. Suddenly, a whirlwind of rainbow energy dissipated the smoke, revealing Blaster Blade - but his armor, and weapon all leaked a rainbow-colored energy. He pointed the blade to the sky and, in an instant, it opened up and started releasing shockwaves of energy. (G3/10000)

"Now, call. Palamedes! Marron!"

(Pala) (BBB) (Gallatin)

(Kay) (WnglB) (Marron)

Hand: 1, Damage: 3/5

"Blaster Blade Burst... Attack! He gets 3000 Power when attacking, but he can't be boosted!"

"Tch... He's got another skill, doesn't he?!"

"Yes. Now..." Spark pointed his hoof at Sweetie Belle. "Burning flames of bravery! BRING FORTH A NEW ERA! Especial Counterblast! Shine, BURST JUDGEMENT!"

Blaster Blade charged at the unholy abomination of a dragon, blade gripped tightly. As soon as Spark flipped over two cards in his damage zone, Palamedes and Gallatin started to glow. "Burst Judgement allows Blaster Blade to get the power of all the Royal Paladins in the front row! Break through the spell, Blaster Blade!

"No... NO! I can't lose here! I nullify with Mac Lir...?!" Sweetie Belle yelled desperately, almost slamming the card onto the Guardian Circle before realizing a simple fact; Even if she could protect herself from this attack, she'd still have to face Palamedes and Gallatin. "Fine! N-No guard!"

"Twin drive check. First," Spark revealed Soul Saver Dragon. "Second..."

"Damn it... No triggers...!"

"This is the deciding card! CHECK THE DRIVE TRIGGER!" Spark raised the card in the air, and, without looking at it, smirked. "I win. Critical get. Power to Gallatin."

He revealed the card, which was Future Knight, Llew.

"No... NO! I will not lose here! Damage check first!" Sweetie Belle revealed Abyss Healer. "Get! All to Vanguard! Second..."

"You can't pull a Heal Trigger, Sweetie Belle." Spark said. "I can see it in your eyes. You don't want to fight anymore."

"Shut up! Second check..." Sweetie Belle revealed Blaster Dark. "No... NO!"

Blaster Blade lunged at Blaster Overlord, and stabbed it in the stomach with the overloaded sword. In an instant, the dragon of darkness exploded in a flash of multi-colored light.

"AGH!" A black aura exited Sweetie Belle, who sat on her haunches. After a few minutes, her eyes widened in realization of what she had done for the past few months. "No... NO! It wasn't supposed to end up like this! I... Just wanted... To protect... Everyone..."

[BGM: Believe In My Existence/End]

After the dark miasma had finally exited her, Sweetie Belle collapsed. Rarity and the others galloped to her immediately. Spark sighed and fixed up his cards, before giving the deck to Rarity.

"Is she alright?" Silver Spoon asked.

Spark nodded and was about to say something, before being interrupted by clapping. He turned to see Midnight Storm and Diamond Tiara leering at them. Silver Spoon glared at them.

"Look at what the hell you've done to her!" The bespectacled mare screamed. "You-"

"-Monster?" Midnight cut off, before chuckling. "Heard that one before. Now move aside before I destroy you, Silvy."

Silver Spoon was about to retort, before Spark interrupted. "You're my opponent, you bastard. Let's finish this!"

"Oh, that would be a pleasure, Sparky." Midnight threw an absentminded glance at Sweetie Belle. "Oh, looks like you've beaten her. Meh, she wasn't that useful anyways."

"How... How dare you speak of my sister like that!" Rarity yelled, before being silenced by Midnight's eyes glowing red. "W... What?! You... You're not the same kid I saw in the vision...!"

"Oh? Dammit Sparky." Midnight grimaced. "Letting others see your memories? Ugh. Let's just Cardfight so I can beat you."

Spark wordlessly trotted to the MF System, brought out another deck, and placed a card faced down. Midnight smirked, and flew there. He put his deck and FVG in their rightful places.

"Stand up-"

"-the-"

"-VANGUARD!" As they flipped their Vanguards over, whirlwinds of fire and darkness plagued the arena, and a dragon's savage roar could be heard.

Author's Note

Midnight: Pity she burnt out. Meh, she wasn't that important anyways.

Spark: You... You...!

Sweetie Belle: Why...? Why did I do this...?! I hurt everypony... Even my best friends and my sister...

Spark: I'll end this, Midnight! Next time on Cardfight!! Vanguard - EA: Clash of the Strongest! This is it... I'll tear you apart, limb from limb if I have to!

Midnight: I wonder who'd win? PSY Qualia or the Hunter?

Ride 027 - Clash of the Strongest

"Oi, Sparkybutt!" A voice yelled. A younger Spark Light turned, with a grin on his face. He was in a hallway of what seemed to be a school. "Wanna go to Card Capital?"

"Sure. Also, have the cash for the box break, Midnight?"

The purple pegasus grinned. "Heck yeah. Now I can finally adjust my deck. Your Dragonic Overlord is insanely broken, you know."

"You're just saying that because you don't have any Perfect Guards yet."

"Eh? Really? You won't always have them ready. And besides..." Midnight whistled. "Overlord's got his own little group of followers. Burning Horn is especially annoying."

"Hmph. Are we going or not?"

"Eeeh?! Weren't we waiting for... Never mind."

30 minutes later...

"Burning flames of the apocalypse... Ravage this world, and reduce everything to ashes! THE FINAL ATTACK! Dragonic Overlord, DESCEND!!!"

Midnight smirked as he revealed a card in his hand. "I nullify with Dark Shield, Mac Lir. I discard Freezer."

".... Why didn't you use that before I drove you to five damage with Striken."

"Now that you mention it... DAMN IT!"

Spark just chuckled as Midnight started throwing a small tantrum. "Okay, just continue. At least you have a front row this time."

"I... Have a front row?" Midnight's face broke into a grin. "Let's finish this, then! My first ever win against you! Final turn!"

"... Erhm... You do know that neither Blaster Dark nor Rugos can hit my Vanguard, right? And even if you pull a trigger, one trigger from me and it's over."

"Yeah. That's why..." Midnight closed his eyes, and opened them. They looked more... Confident. "Stand up, king of the darkness! With your loyal subjects, descend upon this world and wreak havoc upon the Raging Dragon! RIDE THE VANGUARD! The Dark Dictator!"

Midnight threw the card down, slamming it... Onto the Rear-guard Circle. There was a moment of awkward silence.

"..."

"C... Can I redo it?"

"Uhmm... Sure?"

"Er.... Ride. The Dark Dictator." He placed it on the Vanguard Circle, blushing a bit. "I suck at this. How come you always get that part right? Even your chants seem more badass."

"I dunno."

"Oh yeah, he has a skill! Soulblast... Three? Yeah. I give 5000 Power to my rear-guards in the front row. I'm gonna call this... How's Tartarus Gatebreak sound?"

"Pretty good..." Spark whispered, left eye twitching at the power boost Midnight's front row received.

"Also, I call Arianrhod and Charon. The Dark Dictator gets 2000 Power for every Shadow Paladin rear-guard!"

"Are... Are you freakin' kidding me?!"

Midnight smirked. "I told you, I'm going all-out for this match. The Dark Dictator attacks at 18000 Power!"

Spark looked at his hand cards. Barri, Overlord, Nehalem, Gojo and Kimnara. He only hand one Intercept, and that was Berserk Dragon. He was at 4 Damage. "No guard."

"Check the drive trigger." Midnight revealed Blaster Javelin. "Tch... Second check...! AHA! Grim Reaper! Crit to The Dark Dictator, Power to Blaster Dark!"

"I knew it... Damage checks." Spark sighed as Blazing Flare Dragon and Gattling Claw Dragon were sent to the damage zone. "I lose."

"Heck yeah! I won!" Midnight grinned. Spark grinned back, pleased at the development.

It will never be like that ever again...

Back to the present day...

"Fullbau!" A black High Beast appeared. The arena was the same from before, but this time covered in a black miasma.

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!" A green Dragonman with an axe and a shield growled at the opposing High Beast.

Midnight and Spark glared at each other, with only one thought in their minds.

I will defeat you, no matter what!

"My turn! Draw." Spark looked at his hand cards. They were Bahr, Nehalem, Overlord, Gojo and Rakshasa. "I ride Gojo. Conroe moves back, and I activate Gojo's skill. I drop Rakshasa, and draw. I end my turn. " (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Draw. I ride Blaster Javelin, and search for Blaster Dark." Midnight revealed the Grade 2 unit, and added it to his hand. "I call Charon."

(RC) (BJv) (RC)

(RC) (Chr) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0

"Charon boosts, and Blaster Javelin attacks!" The black knight lunged at Bahr. (POW: 16000)

"No guard."

"Check." Midnight revealed Death Feather Eagle. "All to the Vanguard!"

"Damage check, first... Dragonic Overlord. Second," Spark revealed Gattling Claw Dragon. "All to Bahr, and I draw."

"I guess I end here." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn." Spark's eyes widened at the card he drew. "Ride! Nehalem. I activate Conroe, and search my deck for Barri. Not done. I call Bahr behind Nehalem."

(RC) (Nehalem) (RC)

(RC) (EoABahr) (RC)

Hand: 6, Damage: 1/2

"Boosted by Bahr, Nehalem attacks!" The dragon-rider shot a bolt of lightning from his spear. (POW: 18000)

"No guard."

"Checking the drive trigger." Spark revealed an orange-colored dragon, which made Midnight's eyes widen. "No trigger."

"Tch... Damage check is Phantom Blaster Dragon. Huh."

"I end." (Hand: 7, Damage: 1/2)

In the audience...

"This... Is surprisingly tame for a final battle." Scootaloo muttered. Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah. I could even call it... Boring." The cyan pegasus replied.

"Well, it's only starting. The real show begins when they reach their ace units." Apple Bloom mumbled, looking at the two ace players duke it out. This... Is actually pretty intense. Both of them are going all-out, but it seems Spark is making more progress.

Fight Field

"Dark blade of extermination, seek out the future that you have longed for! STAND UP MY AVATAR! Blaster Dark! Ride!" Blaster Javelin was covered in a cyclone of black wind, and was replaced by said unit, Blaster Dark. (POW: 10000)

"Blaster Dark..." Spark muttered, before suddenly gripping one of his hand cards. "Soon..."

"Now, I call Masquerade."

(RC) (BDrk) (Masq)

(RC) (Chrn) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1

"Masquerade attacks Nehalem! He gets 3000 Power if my Vanguard has Blaster in its card name!" (POW: 12000)

"Guard. Gattling Claw Dragon!"

"Boosted by Charon, Blaster Dark! Buster Blitz!" The knight of shadows charged, the sword glowing purple. (POW: 18000)

"No guard."

"Damage check!" Midnight revealed Charon. "No trigger."

"Damage." Genjo's Heal sign glowed green. "Get. I heal one."

"I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/1)

"My turn, stand and draw." Spark grinned, unnerving everyone in the area. "Raging dragon of the empire, bring forth a calamity that will reduce this entire world to ashes! RIDE THE VANGUARD! Dragonic Overlord -- DESCEND!"

A torrent of red and blue fire covered Nehalem, and a crimson Vanguard Circle appeared underneath him. In an instant, he was replaced by a familiar crimson dragon. Gazing at the dark clouds, the Crimson Reaper roared. (G3/11000)

"Now! I call Burning Horn Dragon, Bahr, and another Overlord!"

(DO) (DO) (BH)

(RC) (Bahr) (Bahr)

Hand: 3, Damage: 0/2

"Dragonic Overlord attacks Masquerade!" The crimson dragon lunged at the faceless knight...

"Guard. Abyss Freezer." ... Who was defended by a black pegasus wielding an orb of darkness. (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/1)

"Boosted by Bahr, Overlord attacks Blaster Dark!"

"No guard."

"Twin drive. First," Spark revealed Burning Horn Dragon. "No trigger. Second... Rakshasa. Crit to Overlord, Power to Burning Horn."

"Damage checks... Damn." Nightmare Painter and Blaster Dark were sent to the damage. (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/3)

"Boosted by Bahr, Burning Horn attacks! He's the same as your Masquerade, but in this case getting 3000 Power when my Vanguard is an Overlord!" (POW: 20000)

"Tch... No guard, damage check." Midnight revealed Grim Reaper. "Ugh."

"I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"My turn, stand and draw." Midnight's eyes glowed crimson. "This is the deciding turn! Now... Awaken in full force, PSY Qualia!"

"What?! Does this mean..." Scootaloo shook her head. "This is stupid. He has no chance against a completed Shadow Paladin deck that's used by the strongest PSY Qualia user."

"Nope, he still does." Apple Bloom replied. "He most likely has a Perfect Guard to defend against Overlord's Persona Blast, and he's called the strongest hunter for a reason."

Rarity stroked the sleeping Sweetie Belle's hair. "Oh Sweetie Belle... Why did it come to this...?!"

The white unicorn was awakened, and she looked at her surroundings. "W... What happened...?"

Rarity gave her a pained look, and she instantly knew the answer.

"S-So it wasn't a dream..." Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth, and tears started to form around her eyes. "I... Damn it!"

"Sweetie Belle...! I... I'm sorry..." Scootaloo said.

"... You weren't at fault. I was. I was too weak, and..." Sweetie Belle looked at her hooves. "I... Did something unforgivable."

"No, you didn't! I-"

"Both of you, shut up." The two ponies looked at Apple Bloom, who had a stern look on her face. "Both of you screwed up, and you're gonna fix it. Nothing you've done isn't unforgivable. Got that?"

"Y-Yeah..." Scootaloo scratched the back of her head.

Sweetie Belle just stared at the heated battle in front of her with blank eyes.

"Silence in the unholy noise of chaos... Awaken your true form, and obliterate everything in your way! THE DRAGON OF HELL DESCENDS! Ride the Vanguard! PHANTOM BLASTER OVERLORD!" Midnight slammed the card onto the Vanguard Circle, causing crimson lightning to strike Blaster Dark. The dark knight suddenly morphed into a black dragon with golden armor. (G3/11000)

"..." Spark looked at the dragon, as if unamused. "... Is this really it? It's... Underwhelming, really."

"Hmph. Let's just see your face when I do this! I call, Nemain. Counterblast, I drop Blaster Overlord to draw two. I call Masquerade, then Nightmare Painter, and put Blaster Dragon into the soul. And finally, I call Charon behind Nemain."

(Nemain) (PBO) (Masq)

(Charon) (Char) (NigtPnt)

Hand: 1, Damage: 1/3

"Charon boosts, Blaster Overlord attacks!" (POW: 21000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2)

"Twin drive, first check." Midnight revealed Death Feather Eagle. "Crit to Vanguard, Power to Nemain. Second... Aha! Grim Reaper! Power to Masquerade, Critical to the Vanguard!"

"Damage checks," Berserk Dragon, Kimnara, and Gattling Claw were sent to Spark's damage zone. "All to Overlord, and I draw."

"Boosted by Charon, Nemain attacks Burning Horn!" (POW: 16000)

"Guard, Rakshasa!"

"Boosted by Nightmare Painter, Masquerade attacks!" (POW: 23000)

"Guard! Gattling Claw and Monica!" (Hand: 2, Damage: 0/5)

"I end my turn here." Midnight grinned. "Face it, you lose."

"See?! That douche double critted him to death! He doesn't have a cha-" Scootaloo was cut off by a sudden pulse of energy. "W... What...?"

Sweetie Belle stared at Dragonic Ovelord, who looked particularly calm. Her eyes widened in realization. "Don't tell me that...?!"

"Oi, Sparky. You better give up." Midnight grinned maniacally. "You have no chance of winning this. Your Dragonic Overlord just can't stand against Blaster Overlord at full power."

"... To be honest though," Spark glared at Midnight. "Blaster Overlord is pitifully weak."

"What?!"

"You waste three damage for, what, a crit? The only thing he has is that thirteen base power. Even then, that won't matter. It's because..."

"-This is the Final Turn!"

"Tch... Just try to! Your Eternal Flame won't even dent me!"

Spark started to chuckle, which then led to full-blown laughter, shocking everyone in the area.

"What the hell is so funny?!" Midnight yelled.

After his laughing subsided, Spark just smirked at Midnight. "Who said I was going to use Overlord's Eternal Flame?"

"What?!"

"Midnight. Your PSY Qualia is pitiful, you have almost no cards in hand, and your Crossride is absolutely worthless. Now..." Spark suddenly caused a wave of energy to disrupt the Fight Field's image generator, blurring the units for a second. "Let me show you a Crossride's true power."

"Wait... Overlord can...?!" Midnight was suddenly assaulted by a torrent of wind, and a vortex of crimson fire surrounded his opponent.

"Now..." Spark closed his eyes. "At the end of your unlimited quest for power, reach out to the flames surpassing even the apocalypse! THE OVERLORD HAS BROKEN THROUGH HIS LIMITS! Reduce this world to ashes, and enter the fray! I CROSSRIDE THE VANGUARD! DRAGONIC OVERLORD -- THE END!!!"

In a twister of black fire, Dragonic Ovelord roared. Spark slammed the card onto the Vanguard Circle. In an instant, Ovelord was no more -- A being... Whose power was comparable to that of a god, replaced it. Volcanoes erupted, meteors started falling. It was like the end of times had begun. However... After one roar from the god's maw, the meteors stopped falling, and the volcanoes calmed.

"The Overlord... Has descended." Spark Light whispered to himself.

Sweetie Belle stared at the Flame Dragon in front of her, trembling. W-Why... Can't I stop shaking?! It's like my b-body... Has an instinctual fear for him! But... Why?!

"S-So this is that kid's full potential..." Rarity said, slack-jawed. "... Amazing, yet absolutely horrifying at the same time."

"I'm not done. I call Bahr. Now..." Spark rested Dragonic Overlord the End, causing the Flame Dragon-no, Flame God to take flight. With a savage roar, it charged at... Nemain?! "The End attacks Nemain!"

"Pfft... Gahaha! You had me worried for a second." Midnight laughed. "You can have her! No guard!"

"Twin drive. First check," Spark revealed Gattling Claw Dragon. "All to the Vanguard, and I draw a card. Second... Dragonic Overlord the End, no trigger."

In a tempest of crimson flames, the Dragon shot one of his guns at the Witch, completely destroying her.

"You fool! Gahahahaha, Now, attack with your rear-guard and lose already-"

"I'm not done." Spark smirked as he revealed the copy of The End he drove checked, which glowed a bright crimson. He threw it into the Drop Zone, and Counterblasted twice. "Hellfire feeds on hellfire, and the Blade of the Apocalypse will burn for eternity! THE END IS NOT OVER! Persona Blast, ETERNAL APOCALYPSE!!!"

In a storm of fire, the Rested Overlord's Vanguard Circle glowed red. In a flash of crimson energy, the card moved into the Stand position. The Crimson Reaper himself stood up, and roared.

"Now, Overlord attacks Phantom Blaster Overlord!" The End rammed into Blaster Overlord, before pulling away and aiming both of his guns at the Dragon of Hell. (POW: 18000)

"Tch...! No guard."

"First check," Spark revealed Embodiment of Spear, Tahr. "All to The End. Second... Dragonic Overlord, no trigger."

"Damage checks...! Damn it!" Midnight cursed as Blaster Javelin and Macha hit the damage zone. Overlord shot two blasts of fire at the opposing dragon, causing a massive explosion accompanied by Blaster Overlord's wail of pain. "Damn...! Well, at least you can't sta-"

"Who said it was over? The End shall not let you survive!" Spark smirked, revealing the unknown card in his hand. It was his third copy of Dragonic Overlord the End, who was once again glowing bright red. He threw it into the Drop Zone, and Counterblasted twice again. "Hellfire feeds on hellfire, and the Raging Dragon's cursed flames will never stop! Reduce everything in this world to ashes, and become Death itself! PERSONA BLAST ZWEI! ETERNAL APOCALYPSE!!!"

Overlord roared again, and set his sights once more on the abomination of darkness. He took flight onced more, and charged at Midnight's Vanguard. The Dragon of Hell responded by shooting tendrils of darkness at the opposing Overlord. (POW: 31000)

"GUARD! Grim Reaper, Death Feather Eagle!" (POW: 33000)

Spark glared at Midnight. "Checking the drive trigger. First, Kimnara. No trigger. Second..."

Sweetie Belle stared at Spark's hoof, and muttered something. He revealed the card.

"Critical get."

Spark revealed Tahr, who glowed a bright gold. With a savage roar, Overlord dodged the tendrils and jammed both his blades on The Dragon of Hell's stomach. In a terrifying cry of anguish, the abomination tried to bite Overlord's neck, only to be responded by getting shot in the face with Overlord's left arm-gun. The End slashed his blades in an arc, ripping open Blaster Overlord's stomach and splattering his guts onto the Fight Field. Throwing the dying beast down, Overlord opened its maw and released a torrent of deep crimson flames, completely annihilating his opponent.

"GAH!" Midnight yelled, as Blaster Dark fell to the Damage Zone. He clutched in his head, and fell to the ground. With an ear-piercing shriek, he started writhing in pain. "OH TARTARUS! MAKE IT STOP!"

"Midnight!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon rushed over to the screaming pegasus. Diamond glared at Spark. "What the hell did you do to him?!"

Spark just shrugged. "This is merely feedback of what he has done to each and every one of his victims. Consider this as punishment."

Silver Spoon stared at the purple pegasus. "Even he doesn't deserve this."

"His victims didn't deserve it either." Spark said, before motioning to his allies. "Let's get out of here."

As he left, Sweetie Belle nodded and started to trot after him. The others followed wordlessly.

Later, in PSY Headquarters' Infirmary...

Midnight was lying on a pure white bed with a drawer nearby, looking at the nearby window. Diamond Tiara was sleeping on the couche nearby, which has a bed extension. With a soft knock, Silver Spoon poked her head in.

"Hey Midnight. I'm going to buy some sodas outside, okay?" The silver pony smiled warmly, making Midnight's eyes widen a bit. "Your horoscope told me that you'd encounter some bad luck today. Guess it was true, huh? Don't worry. You'll get them next time. Well... Bye~!"

After Silver Spoon softly closed the door, he got his deck from the drawer. His eyes glowed crimson, before turning to a total pitch-black. Grinning maniacally, several tendrils of darkness shot out from the black deckbox.

"... They shall pay for everything they have done. I'm going to break them, until nothing but dust is left, and then spit on it. With my ultimate trump card, nothing is going to stop me." Midnight cackled. "The weak deserve nothing. I will get stronger, even if it kills me."

Author's Note

Sweetie Belle: It's... Over. I hurt everyone close to me, and... Blaster Blade... I'm not even worthy to use him...!

Scootaloo: Sweetie Belle... You haven't come out of your room for a week... Please...

Apple Bloom: Damn it... We need to get her out of that room!

Scootaloo: B-But... How?! And, there's also that other Tournament, the Fighters' Road...

Spark Light: I... Think I know what to do...

Scootaloo: At this point... Y-Yeah, let's try out your idea... Hey, that's actually pretty good! Next time on Cardfight!! Vanguard - EA: Bound Emotions! Sweetie Belle... You're going to have fun playing Vanguard again!

Sweetie Belle: Blaster Blade... Alfred... Garmore... I'm sorry...

Ride 028 - Bound Emotions

Sweetie Belle lay down on her bed, looking at the ceiling. I'm... Such an idiot. How could I have been so easily tempted...?

Nearby, a blue deckbox suddenly glowed.

Blaster Blade... I'm not worthy of even using you...

"Mandala Lord attacks Stern Blaukluger!" A six-armed ninja dragon jumped in front of the blue robot, six knives ready. (POW: 16000)

"Ah nullify. Let's go, Twin Blader!" Apple Bloom threw the card into the Guardian Circle, discarding Blaukluger. "Your attack's stopped for this turn."

"Hey, Bloom? Have you seen Sweetie Belle this week?" Scootaloo asked. Apple Bloom shook her head, earning a groan from the pegasus. "Damn. So she really hasn't come out of her room..."

"Well, what do you suggest we do about it? Last time Ah tried..." The earth pony shuddered.

"Why don't you show her the fun in playing Vanguard again?" Spark muttered, trotting towards them. He opened a few packs, and tossed a card to Apple Bloom. She caught it with ease.

"... This card...!" Apple Bloom's eyes widened. "How'd you know I need this...? And for free?"

"It's one of the best for any Nova Grappler user." He shrugged. "Also, you're a teammate. You need that more than I do, as well. Now, about my idea-"

He was cut off by the door getting slammed open, and a panting Spike walking inside. "Spark! I finally got Twilight to give me some free time. What was it that you wanted to.. Tell... Me?"

Spike stared at Spark, who was holding out a deck to him.

Rarity knocked on Sweetie Belle's door, levitating a tray of food. "Sweetie Belle? Lunch is ready."

"... Please leave it on the floor."

The white unicorn sighed. "Sweetie Belle, it's been far too long since I last saw you. Please come out of your room. You don't have to play Vanguard if you don't want to. Just... Please. This isn't healthy."

Silence met Rarity's plea, making her sigh. She let the tray down, and started trotting away. Suddenly, a piece of paper materialized in front of the pony in a burst of green fire. Tearing the letter open, Rarity started reading its contents and her eyes started to widen. With a steely look on her face, she marched to Sweetie Belle's room and flung the door open.

"Sweetie Belle." Said pony looked at her, surprised. "You're going to Card Capital. Now."

Spike groaned as he sent Dragonic Waterfall from the top of his deck to his damage zone, making a total of six cards. "Damn... I lost again. Apple Bloom, you're too good at this."

The earth pony just grinned. "Nah. You're strong too. I mean, you're this good after learning the game a couple of days ago. Even I took around three months before I got on your level."

"Well, Goku can't do crap most of the time." Spike sighed. "Isn't there a Grade 3 Berserk Dragon or something?"

"Hell no." Scootaloo said, dealing the sixth damage to her swearing opponent. "That would be horrifying. As far as I'm concerned, Goku, Blazing Flare, and Amber Dragons are enough for Kagerō. They even got... that unit."

Apple Bloom shuddered in response. "Gosh... That thing was scary as hell. I don't think I can face Spark for a few months... I mean, damn. I can't stop shaking every time I remember that thing, even if Stern has a similar skill..."

There was an awkward silence for a while, which Spike broke. "Um... What's this Kagerō unit? Judging from your dialogue, it's an incarnation of Dragonic Overlord, right?"

"Spike... You're better off not knowing for now." Scootaloo muttered. "No newbie needs to be exposed to that monster."

"Hmm.. What's the skill cost?"

"Two Counterblasts and a-"

"It's Dragonic Overlord the End, isn't it?" Spike said, causing the others to recoil in shock. "Knew it. There's only one unit capable of traumatizing the strongest fighters I know of. The End... You've seen it up close, haven't you?"

"Yes." Scootaloo nodded. "It was like... I was faced with Death itself. It was a being beyond anything I've ever faced before... And the thought of something like that, being controlled by a colt a few months older than I am..."

"Well, Spark is a world-class fighter." The dragon motioned to his deck. "This deck, which was made from his extras, has four Perfect Guards and is tournament-viable. You won't see that anywhere. In fact, how did he become so strong anyways?"

"Looks like Twilight's analytic nature rubbed off on you." Apple Bloom muttered, her jaw mostly slack. "Anyways, Spark... Trains hard, and apparently he's been playing since the beginning of the game."

"Wow." Spike whistled. "That's amazing. Now, if only I could get my 4 copies of The End... Heh, I'm joking. What's with those looks?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "Spike, never make a joke about that unit again."

"You know what's big, red and black all over?"

"Shut up." Scootaloo was about to unleash a verbal lashing onto Spike, before she was cut off by the shop door opening. Sweetie Belle stood there, with an uncertain look in her eyes. "H-Hi, Sweetie Belle."

The white unicorn nodded, and looked at Spike. "Are you...?"

"Yes, we're fighting." The dragon chuckled. "Although I still kind of suck at this, don't hold back."

Sweetie Belle gulped, before both of them went to a Fight Table. They placed their Vanguards faced down. "A-Are you ready?"

"Heck yeah!" Spike placed his claw on his Vanguard. "Stand up-"

"Stand up-"

"-the-" Both players added.

"-Vanguard!" They flipped their Vanguards over, causing the Table's Vanguard Circles to glow red and blue respectively.

"Picture it in your mind!" Spike said, causing Sweetie Belle's eyes to widen. "We're on the surface of the planet known as Cray, as the Vanguards of the Kagerō and Royal Paladin clans!"

"Wingal Brave!" A white High Beast in shining armor growled, as Sweetie Belle gritted her teeth at the opposing Vanguard. (G0/5000)

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!" A green Dragonman with an axe and shield roared, covered in a multitude of flames. (G0/5000)

"My turn, and I draw!" Sweetie Belle grimaced. "Ride! Little Sage, Marron! Wingal Brave moves behind, and I end my turn."

"Draw," The drake sighed. "Ride! Wyvern Guard, Barri! Conroe moves."

(RC) (Barri) (RC)

(RC) (Cnro) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0

"Boosted by Conroe, Barri attacks!" The Wyvern Guard and his steed flew at Marron, who merely smirked. (POW: 11000)

"No guard."

"Check!" Spike revealed Blue Ray Dracokid. "All in, and Barri goes critical!"

"Damage checks..." Sweetie Belle sent Margal to the damage zone. "I draw. Second... No trigger."

Spike's eyes widened as Blaster Blade was sent to the damage zone. "Ouch. That's got to suck, him being your avatar and all."

The unicorn looked at him with tired eyes. "Sorry, but I don't have an avatar."

"!?" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo suddenly turned their attention to the match, ignoring their own. "No... Avatar?!"

"Well, I guess it's my turn. Draw." Sweetie Belle looked at the cards in her hand. Marron, Gallatin, Alfred, Epona, Bedivere, Kay, and... Blaster Blade. "Blade of shining light... In the midst of adversity, stand up once more! Ride! Blaster Blade!"

Marron was replaced by the knight, who stared at the opposing Vanguard. (G2/9000)

"Counterblast! Conroe retires, and I call Kay and Bedivere from my hand! Also, Gallatin and Marron!" In a flash of white light, the Sword of Courage was surrounded by his allies. "As I said, I may not be worthy enough to call Blaster Blade my avatar... But I assure you, I don't need an avatar to win. All I need... Are my allies."

Spike grinned at this. She may not have forgiven herself yet for what she's done... But this is a step in the right direction!

(Gallatin) (BB) (Bedivere)

(Marron) (WB) (Kay)

Hand: 2, Damage: 2/2

"Boosted by Wingal Brave, Blaster Blade attacks!" The white knight charged, imbued with a cyan light. "Buster Crash!" (POW: 14000)

"No guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Check." Sweetie Belle revealed Palamedes. "No trigger."

"Damage check... Dragon Monk Goku, no trigger."

"Boosted by Marron, Gallatin!" (POW: 18000)

"Damage check... Gattling Claw Dragon. All to the Vanguard and I draw." (Base POW: [6000] + 5000 = 11000]

"Tch... Boosted by Kay, Bedivere attacks at 19000!"

"Guard! Blue Ray!" (SLD: 21000)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 3, Damage: 2/2)

"'My turn, stand and draw." Spike groaned. "You just really had to kill Conroe, didn't you? Fine. I ride! Dragon Knight, Nehalem! Now, I call Bahr behind him."

(RC) (Nehalem) (RC)

(RC) (EoA,Bahr) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2

"Boosted by Bahr, Nehalem attacks!"

"No guard."

"Check!" Spike revealed Rakshasa, causing Sweetie Belle to wince. "... Ouch. All to Vanguard."

"First check," Elaine was revealed, glowing a bright green. "I heal one. Second... Blaster Blade Burst, no trigger."

"That luck... She damage checked two out of her three Blaster Blades..." Scootaloo muttered, causing Apple Bloom to shake her head.

"That may be so, but... She did say she could win without Blaster Blade."

"My turn, draw." Sweetie Belle closed her eyes. "King of the holy knights... Enter the fray, and give me the strength to lead! I RIDE! King of Knights, Alfred!"

Blaster Blade was enveloped in a torrent of blue lightning, and in his place was the King of Knights himself. Raising a sword into the air, his comrades cheered. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, looking more confident. (POW: 10000)

"Alfred's skill allows him to get 2000 for every Royal Paladin rear-guard. Now..." Sweetie Belle rested the King of Knights. "Shall we begin our battle?"

(Gallatin) (Alfred) (Bedivere)

(Marron) (WinglB) (Kay)

Hand: 3, Damage: 1/3

"Attack, Alfred!" (POW: 20000)

"No guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/2)

"First check," Sweetie Belle revealed Iseult. "No trigger. Second check... Toypugal, no trigger."

"Damage check," The drake groaned as Dragonic Overlord was sent to the Damage. "Really, deck? You had one freaking job."

"Boosted by Kay, Bedivere!" (POW: 16000)

"Damage check..." Spike revealed Genjo. "All to Vanguard, and I heal."

"Gallatin!" (POW: 18000)

"Guard, Gattling Claw." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0/3)

"I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 1/3)

"Draw." Spike grinned. "Oh boy. This changes everything. I'll try to end it here, or at least do as much damage as possible."

"What?"

"The burning conquest of the Empire... Means nothing to me. However... Lay waste to any tresspasser, Guardian Dragon of the Seas! I ride! Dragonic Waterfall, DESCEND!!!" Nehalem was suddenly engulfed by a whirlpool, causing Bahr to jump away. In an instant, however, it was slashed apart by what seemed to be... A dragon wearing blue and white armor, while also bearing a deep crimson sword. (G3/10000)

"Now, I call! Berserk Dragon! Counterblast, Kay retires! Now, call Gojo!"

(RC) (DW) (Berserk)

(RC) (Bahr) (Gojo)

Hand: 3, Damage: 2/3

"Boosted by Bahr, Waterfall attacks! His skill gets him 3000 Power, and... " Dragonic Waterfall suddenly raised his sword into the air. "Noble catastrophe of fire and water... Unleash the power of the gods unto this world, and break everything into dust! CATACLYSM!!!"

Spike threw Goku into the drop zone, and the Guardian Dragon of the Empire roared. "Waterfall gets 10000 Power!" (POW: 31000)

Why so early, though...? Sweetie Belle thought. "No guard."

"Twin drive, first," He revealed Kimnara. "Finally. Second... Critical get, power to Berserk. Waterfall goes critical!"

"Damage checks..." Marron and Gallatin were sent to the damage zone. "Tch..."

"Boosted by Gojo, Berserk Dragon attacks at 21000 Power!"

"Bedivere intercepts, and I guard with Epona!" (Hand: 4, Damage: 1/5)

"I end my turn here."

"Draw." Sweetie Belle groaned as Gancelot was added to her hand. Wait... That's it. I'm betting it all! "Silver wings of determination... Break free of those that torment you, and ascend to the skies! Bonds... Will lead this Vanguard to victory! I RIDE THE VANGUARD!!! Solitary Knight, Gancelot!"

Alfred grinned, before he was surrounded by a whirlwind of white feathers. When it faded, a white pegasus knight stood in his place, with a solemn look on his face, (G3/9000)

"... What?" Spike muttered. "A 9000 Base Grade 3? What good is that going to do?"

"Just watch! I call Toypugal over Wingal, Marron, and Palamedes!" Sweetie put her right hoof on Gancelot. "Gancelot... Lend me the power of my ava... No, Blaster Blade! Counterblast! He gets 5000 Power and a Critical! Now... ONCE MORE!"

Gancelot glowed silver, an illusion of Blaster Blade beside him. (POW: 19000/CRT: 3)

"Sweet mother of..." Apple Bloom muttered. "She actually pulled it off?"

"It's not as strong as Damned Charging Lance or Burst Judgement, but..." Scootaloo grinned at it. "It fits her perfectly."

(Gallatin) (Gancelot) (Palamedes)

(LSMarrn) (Toypugal) (LSMarrn)

Hand: 1, Damage: 5/5

"Boosted by Toypugal, who gives an extra 3000 Power since there are two Grade 3 Royal Paladins out, Gancelot attacks!" The white pegasus charged, sword glinting. (POW: 28000/CRT: 3)

Spike looked at his hand, and grinned sadly. Goddamnit. If only I had Conroe to search Barri out... "Well, I'll have to put it all in Genjo's hands. No guard."

"Twin drive, first." Sweetie Belle revealed Kay. "No trigger. Second... Llew! Critical to the Vanguard, Power to Palamedes!"

The drake groaned as his damage checks revealed no triggers whatsoever. "Kimnara, Bahr, and... goddamn Barri. I lose. Did you have fun, though?"

"Yeah..." Sweetie Belle nodded, before looking at Gancelot. That's right... Blaster Blade and I... Aren't compatible as Avatars. But the rest of my deck... I can do this.

"Good! That was the entire point of this!" Spike yelled, before giving a thumbs up. "Having fun is what's Vanguard is about. Never forget that. Winning doesn't matter as long as you enjoyed the fight."

"Yeah..." Sweetie Belle smiled warmly, for the first time in a few months. "Vanguard is fun."

In a dark corner of the shop...

"Sweetie Belle, you..." Spark muttered, before shaking his head. "You can't win against him. What good is an army... If they don't have someone to lead them?"

"Hey, Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom placed a hoof on her shoulder. "Want to join the Fighter's Road? It's a new tournament where the National Champions will compete. I understand completely if you don't-"

"I'll join." Sweetie Belle said, shocking her teammates and Spike. "I'll join, if only to help you guys become champions. Besides..."

"I need to show that I can win without PSY Qualia."

Author's Note

Sweetie Belle: Come forth, King of all Knights!

Scootaloo: I'm... Worried about her. Why isn't she using Blaster Blade or Blaster Blade Burst that much? That could prove... Fatal.

Apple Bloom: Ah don't know, but I hope whatever it is... She snaps outta it.

Sweetie Belle: Next time on Cardfight!! Vanguard - EA: The Top Idol Arrives! ... Eh? What clan is that?

Ride 029 - The Top Idol Arrives

"This is your host, Rhythm Rising from Ultra Rare, and the Fighter's Road Tournament starts now!" A pink-maned unicorn yelled into her mic, causing the crowd to explode into cheering. "However... Only those who have participated in the Regionals or Nationals can compete here, so you'll be seeing lots of familiar faces!"

Sweetie Belle gulped as she stared into the colosseum waiting room. It was a dark, but overall decent space that had no windows and several couches. Artificial lights illuminated the room, and several CVs were also in use. I'm not welcomed here... But I might as well do my best. Guide me... King of Knights.

"First off, we have reigning champions Team Foo Fighter PSY!" A defeaning cheer was heard, and but it soon calmed down.

"You okay?" Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle, although looking uneasy herself.

"Pffft. O-Of course she is!" Scootaloo muttered, even more nervous than the other members. "Now... Let's win this."

"Where's Spark?" The Earth Pony mare groaned. "When Ah said all of Team Crusader being back together, Ah meant all of us. Heck, Babs is in the audience and here in spirit!"

"Don't worry." Sweetie Belle closed her eyes, and suddenly felt a surge of magic go through her.

"Sorry, Spark." Sweetie Belle gazed at a darker-looking version of the Kagerō user, who was staring at her with blank eyes. He was surrounded by several unrecognizable Units, which most likely belonged to the Kagerō clan as well. "I... Promise. I'll break your spell and reach you! Let's go, Blaster Blade!"

In an instant, her view was obstructed by golden flashes of light and pitch-black flames. Sweetie tried to move back, but was also consumed in the raging inferno of black fire. "No... I... Can't...!?"

"SWEETIE BELLE?!"

"... Eh?" The white unicorn snapped back to reality, realizing that her teammates were looking at her with shock and worry. "What... Just happened?"

"... Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo put her hooves on her friend's shoulders, and looked her in the eyes. "Never use that power again. We can't risk... What happened last time."

"What?" The unicorn tilted her head. "I... Unconsciously used PSY Qualia? Is that even possible?"

"I... Don't know. But for the time being..." Scootaloo motioned to the arena. "Don't use it. Even if you lose... Don't activate PSY Qualia."

"And now... The team that has went through Hell and back, with several roster changes... The rookie team that brought the pro scene to its knees, here's Team Crusader!"

"Well, that's our cue." Scootaloo smirked, before dashing towards the stadium entrance. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed. "We're gonna slay the Demon King!"

The Crusaders were met by the crowd's cheering. Sweetie Belle walked out of the tunnel, and upon seeing this, the crowd suddenly erupted into a maelstrom of jeering and insults.

Sweetie Belle ignored them, and walked up to the stage along with her other teammates. The announcer gave her a mic.

"Let me be clear here. I have no intention to win this." Sweetie Belle said into the microphone, shocking the audience. "However... My friends' dreams of being champions... I'll make it come true. Even if I have to gouge an eye out doing it. I will help them realize their dreams. That is all."

"S-Sweetie Belle..." Apple Bloom muttered. "You... You're not really going to do that, are you?"

"Oh please." She replied, with a sullen look on her face. "Gouging an eye out isn't enough to cover for my sins. My life isn't worth the damage I caused to all those innocent ponies..."

"Oh hell no. You are not going to..." Scootaloo's rant was cut off by the white unicorn's hoof.

"Don't worry. I haven't even considered taking my own life. That would be the coward's way out." She suddenly looked at them with determination-filled eyes. "Even if the world turns against me... Loathes me... Wants to kill me... I will always, always fight for you all. If they kill me... I won't care. However, I will do anything and everything to protect those dear to me, along with the bonds we've created. Because my life is less important than our bonds, that we have literally went through Tartarus to protect. Got that?"

"You... Idiot."

"?!"

"What good would be the bonds we forged if you, one of our best friends wasn't there?!" Scootaloo yelled. "I maybe a Hunter... But that doesn't change anything! Who cares if you have PSY Qualia?! You're still one of my best friends, and if fate dictates that we should fight... Well then, why don't we rip fate a new one?!"

"Scootaloo's right." Apple Bloom grinned. "We ain't letting you protect us all the time. We are going to protect you as well. Friends have each other's backs, right? What good would Blaster Blade be without his allies?"

"But... I'm not... Blaster Blade...!"

"Sweetie Belle... Even if you reject him, even if you despise him... Your avatar will always be Blaster Blade." Scootaloo said.

"I'm... Sorry. I just can't use him... Right now. But..." She smiled at her friends. "You'll have my back, right?"

"Of course!"

"... Sweet Celestia I just realized everything that we're saying has been noticed by the audience." Scootaloo groaned, as the crowd was still in a shocked silence. "The other Fighters probably heard it, too..."

"Ha! Look at those sappy idiots make fool out of themselves on national Crystal Vision!" Diamond Tiara laughed, patting Silver Spoon's back as they sat on the couch. Midnight was looking at the Crusaders from the balcony. "Right, Silvy?"

"... Diamond. You have to admit they have a point in what they're saying..." The bespectacled mare muttered. "Loyalty and trust form the simplest of bonds... Friendship."

"... Are you implying that I'm not loyal to you?"

"N-No! That isn't the case here! And you're perfectly loyal to me as a friend, even if you think horoscopes are crap..."

"But they are!"

As the two mares squabbled about fortunes and the like, Midnight just sighed. "Friendship... Bonds... Those are just lies..."

The awkward silence was breached by a cough from the announcer. "O...kay! After that fervent speech, why don't we start this tournament off with a bang!?"

The crowd's mood lifted, and they started cheering. Scootaloo sighed. "Goddamn it. I can't believe we just did that. Anyways, the organizers said that we're in the first exhibition match."

Sweetie Belle tilted her head. "Exhibition... match?"

The pegasus shrugged. "It's a match that doesn't count to the tournament's participants nor results, and you can use a different deck from what you're gonna use in the tournament. It's there to look cool. One of us has to fight one of those Ultra Rare chicks. Who'll it be?"

"I'll go for it. But, since this isn't a tournament match, don't expect me to take this seriously." Sweetie Belle suddenly coughed, and tasted something metallic in her mouth.

"Tch..."

"Sweets!? Are you alright?!" Apple Bloom winced as her friend started to lean on her.

"D-Don't worry. This is just the delayed reaction my body is having due to using too much of that power..." Sweetie Belle shakily went towards the fight field below. Her opponent was that same unicorn from earlier. "I pretty much deserve this."

The pink-maned unicorn was about the same age as she was, with a well-maintained orange coat, and also had similarly-colored emerald eyes as Sweetie Belle. Rhythm grimaced. "Are you sure you're alright? We are using the latest Motion Figure System."

"Don't worry. If my guess is correct, these are nothing compared to those Underground Fight stuff..." muttered Sweetie Belle as she levitated her cards. "Now, let's start!"

"To start, we need to yell 'Vanguard Field, release'. You ready?"

"Yeah."

They placed their Starting Vanguards faced down, and yelled simultaneously;

"Vanguard Field... RELEASE!" The instant the words were uttered, the symbol of a sword appeared on Sweetie Belle's platform, and shot out blue fire in countless directions while Rhythm's was a mic that was creating bubbles. The flames and bubbles clashed, creating an outwardly expanding sphere of white light. After, both unicorns found themselves in a beach on the Planet Cray.

"Wingal Brave!" A blue High Beast in silver armor appeared next to Sweetie Belle, growling.

"Bermuda Triangle Cadet, Riviere!" A blond merpony appeared, clutching a microphone.

"Huh? What is that clan...? Granblue?" Sweetie Belle gaped at the unit, while Rhythm just giggled. "Is it a new clan?"

"No. dummy! It's called Bermuda Triangle, and it's super strong! And quite cute, too. My turn first! I ride Mermaid Idol, Riviere! My Grade 0's skill allows me to search the top seven, and..." The pink maned unicorn levitated a card using her pink magic grip. "Top Idol, Riviere is added to my hand. I'll end my turn there." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"My turn. I ride... Little Sage Marron! Wingal Brave moves!" Wingal jumped back, and Sweetie Belle appeared in blue sage's robes, clutching a tome with her magic. Her hand cards levitated in front of her thanks to the updated System's user-friendliness. "Now, boosted by Wingal Brave, I attack!"

Sweetie/Marron charged a spell with her horn, causing white lightning to assemble on it. (POW: 13000)

"No guard."

"Check the drive trigger," The image of a card appeared, glowing gold. "Epona, critical get!"

Sweetie/Marron shot the charged ball of lightning at the merpony idol, causing a violent explosion.

"First check... Sedna. Second... Pacifica. No triggers." The two cards flew to Rhythm's damage causing her to wince. "This aggressive already?"

"I end my turn." Sweetie Belle looked at her hand calmly, and sighed. Epona, Gallatin, Alfred, Marron, Palamedes, and Bedivere. This is gonna suck....

"My turn, draw! Time to take the stage! Lovey-dovey ride! Super Idol, Riviere! My Grade 1's skill, I draw a card." The merpony suddenly glowed pink, and looked older. (G2/10000)

"Now, I call Perla, then call Perle behind her! Perle gives Perla an on-hit! Now, I call Sedna behind my Vanguard!"

(Perla) (Riviere) (RC)

(Perle) (Sedna) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2

"Boosted by Sedna, Riviere attacks at 18000!"

"No guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Drive trigger check!" Riviere grinned as a green glow came from the revealed card. "Drive Quartet, Flows! I heal, Power to Perla!"

Sweetie Belle winced as her damage check revealed Blaster Blade, but gritted her teeth. "No trigger."

"Yay! Now, the Pearl Sisters attack!" The two pink merponies charged, causing Sweetie Belle to sigh. (POW: 21000)

"Damage check...!?" Sweetie Belle coughed as her second Blaster Blade was sent to the damage zone.

"... Damn, you must be really unlucky. Anyways, the on-hit activates. I soulcharge... Aw, Shuplu. Then I draw. Now, Perla's Soulblast! I return Perle to my hand! Well, that's all from me this turn. Heehee!" Rhythm hummed a song while looking at her hand cards. (Hand: 7, Damage: 0/1)

She turned the tables so quickly...!? The white unicorn thought as she drew the top card of her deck. Iseult... I don't need Blaster Blade to win... But these Blaster support units will be a drag if this continues... "I ride! Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere!"

Sweetie Belle felt her robes burn off, and soon it was replaced by a set of armor. Her mane was also in a ponytail, and she was currently levitating two swords. (POW: 9000)

"Now, call! Gallatin and Marron!" A ninja and a mage in blue robes materialized beside Sweetie/Bedivere. "Now... Let's start the battle phase!"

(RC) (Bedi) (Gallatin)

(RC) (WinB) (Marron)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0/2

"Boosted by Wingal Brave, Bedivere attacks!" Sweetie Belle galloped forward, readying her twin blades for an attack. I'm actually fighting as a unit...! These new Systems are amazing... (POW: 14000)

"Guard! Flows!" A green merpony appeared in between Sweetie Belle and Riviere. Gritting her teeth, the knight used her magic to propel the levitating blades forward. Glinting with silver light, it was deflected by the green merpony using her microphone to block the attack, but was stabbed in the process. It disappeared in a flurry of green sparkles.

"Tch..." Jumping back, Sweetie Belle motioned to her rear-guards for a second assault. "Boosted by Marron, Gallatin attacks!" (POW: 18000)

The idol was struck by a sudden cut to her abdomen, causing Rhythm to wince. "Damage check is Bubblin! I draw a card!" (Hand: 7, Damage: 0/2)

" I end my turn here." Soul Saver Dragon... Why now? Darnit, my hand is clogged with Grade 3s...

"My turn. Ride, my twinkling idol! Top Idol, Riviere (G3/11000)! A skill activates, and I draw a card. Now, assemble once more! Perle, skill to Perla! Pacifica! Sedna!"

Sweetie Belle's eye twitched at the nearly-unguardable lanes. "Ugh, I should really cut back on the Grade 3s. Maybe ten was too much...."

(Perla) (Riviere) (Paci)

(Perle) (Sedna) (Sedna)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0/2

"Boosted by Sedna, Riviere attacks!" The blonde merpony grinned as she jumped out of the ocean, throwing a lightning-charged beach ball at Bedivere. (POW: 19000)

"I don't guard."

Rhythm/Riviere's grin got even wider. "Checking the Twin Drive! First check... Critical get! Power to Perla, Riviere goes critical! Second....!? Critical once more!? Yay! Same distribution of trigger effects!"

"Tch... No triggers whatsoever...!?" Sweetie Belle groaned as Gallatin, Marron, and Soul Saver fell to the Damage.

"Riviere's Persona Blast activates! I can Counterblast 2 and discard a copy of her in hand!" Rhythm revealed a second Riviere, which was glowing gold.

"A Persona Blast that's on-hit!? Don't tell me..." Memories of a ruthless crimson dragon flashed inside her mind, accompanied by the sense of one's death. "No, it can't be... The End is one of a kind...!"

"Don't worry, this is nothing like The End." Rhythm chirped, before smirking at Sweetie Belle. "In this situation, it's worse. I give 5000 power to Pacifica, Sedna, and Perla."

"What!? Even if I Perfect Guard it, the entire thing is useless since I can't guard the other...!" The white unicorn glared at the Grade 3s in her hand, feeling an overwhelming sense of defeat. Tch... If I used PSY Qualia, this wouldn't have happened-No, what the hay am I thinking!?

Shrugging off her despair, Sweetie/Bedivere stared at Pacifica (POW: 28000, boosted) and Perle (POW: 31000, boosted). She sighed as the duo launched a blast of magic at her. Revealing Epona, Bedivere disintegrated into a cloud of silver dust.

"I l-lose. Tch..." Sweetie Belle said with a pained expression on her face, trying to stave off the urge to let her PSY Qualia run wild.

"Well, I could tell you weren't at top condition today, along with that 10 Grade 3 build you said you were using." Rhythm grimaced. "Plus, that lucky crit was no fun. Wanna fight again sometime, when you're at full power?"

"Sure." Sweetie Belle smiled, finally destroying her urges. She sighed, then looked at her Royal Paladin deck. "It's gonna be a rough trip, but... I'm going to win this with my own power."

Sweetie Belle sighed as she returned to her team's waiting room, finding nopony there. She switched on the CV, and slumped on the cushion there. "So, the other rounds have started..."

Something caught her eye. A folded note, with a bundle inside...

"Rip them all up with the blue flames of destruction! Dueling Dragon, ZANBAKU!" Scootaloo yelled, as an armored black dragon behind her struck the opposing Voidmaster in response. Blue fire erupted from the blade, burning the violet dragon from inside out.

"I lose. Why!? I had the perfect deckbuild!" Her opponent lamented, crying.

"Dude. You called three triggers." The orange pegasus deadpanned, with ZANBAKU facepalming behind her.

"Asura Kaiser checked a Grade 3! I stand Azure Dragon, and my Death Army units' skills activate! Two Guys and a Lady stand up once more!" Apple Bloom grinned at the fact that all of her rear-guard columns being boosted attacks. "Now, Death Army Lady attacks with a boost from Guy!"

"Shelter Beetle guards!"

"Boosted by Guy, Azure Dragon attacks!" The blue robot charged, using its lightning-charged shield to block the desperate fire blasts coming from the giant fly. When it finally got in range, the robot unsheathed its flame sword and slashed the fly in half.

"Oh yeah!" Apple Bloom did a hoofpump as she dealt the sixth damage. "That's my win alright!"

"Ark Saver Dragon's skill activates! Stand up and bring forth all the vanguards whose eras are long gone, king of all knights! Thus I declare... TRANSCENDENCE ARK! Superior Persona Ride!" Sweetie Belle yelled, a blue aura surrounding her as she slammed another copy of Ark Saver Dragon onto the Vanguard Circle. The dragon behind her flew into the sky, and was engulfed by a pillar of white light. An azure Vanguard Circle appeared at the spot where the light touched the ground, and the dragon burst from the pillar unharmed, but rather charged with energy.

"That unit...!?" Her opponent, a brown colt with a pink mane, gasped. "How the hell..!? Wasn't that unit out-of-print!? How did you even get a copy, much less four!?"

"..." Sweetie Belle stayed silent as she attacked with Ark Saver Dragon. I guess I'll have to thank Spark later... Yeesh, what is up with that guy and having the oldest cards in the game? "Drive trigger check is Llew. All to my Vanguard!"

The majestic dragon with the king's image roared, and an expanding pillar of light consumed the opponent as the top card of his deck, Nehalem, fell to the Damage Zone.

She thought back to the note, and grimaced. "So another exhibition match is next... Be careful, Spark..."

Yo, Crusaders.

Spark and I are having an exhibition match after the quarterfinals round, so watch it. It'll give you a glimpse of what you're fighting in the finals. Try not to get too horrified; I still want something to break when we fight again.

-Midnight Storm

Author's Note

Ark Saver Dragon
Grade 3/10000/Cosmo Dragon

"The souls of those who came before me, guide me to the white light of hope."

First Skill Unknown<<

AUTO:[Counterblast (2)] When this unit's attack hits a vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose a card named "Ark Saver Dragon" from your hand, ride it, and choose your vanguard, and that unit gets "[AUTO]: You cannot ride over this unit." and loses "Twin Drive!!" until end of turn.

Lore:

This is the form the previous kings' spirits took after their death, temporarily called upon by the current King of Knights to use. "Transcendence Ark" -- An unknown magic that swept the land the day the king died, shining upon their appointed successor. The guardian dragons of the Sanctuary allowed the former kings to ascend to their realm, partly because of their will to serve the land and watch over their people, and partly because of an insurmountable threat that was prophesied to attack the Sanctuary.

Using his own body and soul as the catalyst, the King of Knights calls upon his forefathers, ----UNREADABLE---- the ----UNREADABLE---- against the unknown darkness...!

... Blame the Shining Swordsman CFV manga, this unit was too good to pass up. Anyways, I'm not dead, I just suck at writing Bermuda Triangle. This will end on Chapter 35 or 36. Back to testing Dragonic Overlord the Great~!

Next Chapter - Eradication. The blades of destruction clash once more, creating hope and despair.

Ride 030 - Eradication

"Ride! Dueling Dragon, ZANBAKU!" Scootaloo yelled as the armored black dragon charged at the opposing blue mech. "I attack! Blue Flame Overdrive!"

"What is with you and blue fire?" Apple Bloom shook her head. "Next thing you know, it's going to be an archetype."

"I... can't really see myself using it, though." Scootaloo grimaced. "I mean, sure it'd look cool. But it feels like something Paladins would get considering the amount of support they receive in nearly every expansion pack."

"Meh. No guard." Apple Bloom groaned as her damage check was revealed to be Death Army Lady. "Ouch. Could have used this a bit earlier. Hmm... my turn. I ride Stern Blaukluger!"

Sweetie Belle smiled a bit as she looked at her teammates practicing. This is pretty nice... Cardfighting, for the sake of fun, with nothing on the line...

"Attention Cardfighters! The second exhibition match is about to start!" The room's P.A. device boomed.

Being brought back to reality, the white unicorn gritted her teeth. "Tch, almost forgot... there's another fight."

"Oh yeah! I wonder who the fighters are this time!?" Scootaloo did a small hoofpump, before spotting Sweetie Belle's darkened expression. "Oi, Sweetie Belle... Do you know anything about it?"

She reluctantly shook her head. Apple Bloom threw a worried glance at Scootaloo, to which the pegasus nodded.

Spark sighed as he looked at his Overlord deck. I can feel it. That intent to kill... I thought I destroyed all of it. Tch, I'll have to finish the job then.

He stepped onto the arena, knowing the gears of fate had already started to turn. If he was the existence that would go against destiny, there would always be something boosted in order to compensate. Due to his intervention on fate's flow in a major scale, Cray's power balance would be thrown into disarray.

I know this.

If that power balance was disrupted, an even worse outcome would eventually come. Fate would not let itself be beaten by an irregular existence not bound by the world's laws.

I know this.

The world of Cray is alive. The world itself has a consciousness -- That consciousness is manifested as PSY Qualia. It will do whatever means to keep the planet alive, even if it means destroying more than half the inhabitants. PSY itself decides the fate of the planet's inhabitants, as well as those who have an identical existence on another world.

I know this.

The anomaly known as the "Crimson Reaper", Dragonic Overlord, is a being not bound by PSY. It unconsciously goes against its world's laws due to being a key piece in a series of events that would lead to the planet's fate, and wields one of the two "Swords of Apocalypse" -- Coveted blades of the Dragon Empire that deliberately destroy all trace of PSY Qualia's influence on the wielder. It is a miracle that "Overlord" still exists, despite completely destroying the planet's power balance using forbidden arts. Of course, the two other 'weapons' PSY has will have to take action.

I know this.

In counter to this... The holy sword "Blaster Blade" is an embodiment of PSY itself, bent to the wielder's will. This is the blade that goes against its own laws, violating the opposing force's life despite it being the planet's life force itself. It is a paradox, but maintains the balance of Cray's existence. It is life and death in one piece of enchanted metal. Should it ever go missing, an unthinkable catastrophe would take place. It is the failsafe that would return Cray to its most "normal" state, so to say.

The demonic sword "Blaster Dark" is a similar weapon of the same origin as the "Blaster Blade", however it represents the planet's resistance against forced change through outside intervention. Hence, if swung, it cannot be stopped even by its wielder. It can only be swung by a being of pure determination, with pure intent to destroy whatever he aims the sword at. It is not an "evil" sword, but is seen as so due to its association with the fallen Guardian Dragon. When swung, there can only be two results; the annihilation of the opponent, or the annihilation of the user.

I know this.

If we compare the statistics, an anomaly against two 'weapons' personally crafted by the planet itself to destroy disturbances seems an unfair fight. However, for that single anomaly to break the world's laws itself and allow the further evolution of its lifeforms without the world's permission is a different matter, one that threatened the world itself to the point that it had to deploy both of its weapons, despite said weapons being on opposite sides.

If he faces either of the swords at their full power, he will 'probably' lose. The blades are his 'natural enemy'. However... he is an anomaly. Therefore, his natural enemy being the two swords is just assumed, merely because he avoids facing them at full power, and the fact that he has already lost to both blades despite them not being at full power.

The uncounted factor in this flawed equation would probably be the full extent of said anomaly's power. His true potential is unknown. The holy sword and demonic sword will continuously grow; it cannot be said the same for him.

I know this. However...

Faced with impossible odds, the crimson flame deliberately ignores the circumstances which would cause him to fail and keeps moving forward.

Midnight smirked as he saw Spark calmly trot into the arena and place his deck on the MF System's Field Platform. To both of them, the audience did not exist; the only ones who mattered in this battlefield were the fighters in it.

"Vanguard Field.... RELEASE!"

Crimson flames and burning darkness fight each other for dominance, causing a flash of white light to envelop the arena. Their respective clan symbols (a dragon, and the Blaster Dark) appeared in front of them, heralding the start of the fight as both fighters were plunged into a barren wasteland at night.

"Lizard Soldier Conroe." A green Dragonman with an axe growled as soon as he saw the opposing Fighter. (G0/5000)

"Fullbau." An armored black dog gladly returned the sentiments. (G0/5000)

"My turn first." Midnight smiled. "I ride Blaster Javelin, and fetch Blaster Dark from my deck. Now, I call Nightmare Painter. I put Phantom Blaster Dragon into the soul, and end my turn." (Hand: 4, Damage: 0)

"Being wasteful in Shadow Paladin?" Spark smirked. "That will bite you in the ass later on."

The violet pegasus merely chuckled, before glaring at Spark. His eyes were leaking black darkness, with his iris being completely red. "Let's see you fare against 100% of my PSY Qualia."

Stepping back in disgust, Spark drew a card. "I ride Embodiment of Armor, Bahr! Conroe moves behind him."

(RC) (Bahr) (RC)

(RC) (Conr) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0

"Boosted by Conroe, Bahr attacks!" The Dragonman and cursed red armor demon charged at the opposing knight. (POW: 13000)

"No guard." Midnight winced as Spark revealed a card that immediately glowed gold. "Ouch."

"Embodiment of Spear, Tahr. Critical get, all to my Vanguard!" Bahr and Conroe slashed the black spearman simultaneously while Blaster Dark and Abyss Freezer were sent to the damage zone.

"Draw get! You know what that means."

"I end my turn." Spark glared at Midnight, who sighed.

"Seriously? You still don't get it? Then, this should probably knock sense into you." Midnight threw a card in the air, and it slowly fell. While it fell, the card was suddenly covered in violet flames. "Blade of eternal determination, stand firmly and cut everypony who stands in your way! Thunder forth, my avatar! BLASTER DARK!!!"

It landed perfectly on the Vanguard Circle, and a twister of darkness and lightning covered Blaster Javelin. Before one could blink, the twister was cut apart by a black sword. Standing in the middle of the devastation was a black knight, brandishing a sword that leaked the wielder's intent to kill. (G2/10000)

"Call! Skull Witch, Nemain! I use her skill to discard Blaster Dark, and draw two cards." Midnight said, while a white unicorn in revealing clothing stood beside beside Blaster Dark. "Now, I call Nightmare Painter. I add Blaster Dark to my soul."

Again? What could he use the soul for, in Shadow Paladin of all things... Wait, is he going for Skullface's Megablast? Like hell I'll let that happen. Spark thought as he glared at the opposing Vanguard.

(RC) (BD) (Nemain)

(RC) (NP) (NP)

Hand: 3, Damage: 1/2

"Painter boosts, Blaster Dark attacks! Thunder forth... Buster Break!" Midnight/Blaster Dark yelled, charging the demonic sword with violet lightning. (POW: 16000)

"I don't guard." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0)

"Check." Midnight revealed Phantom Blaster Dragon. Immediately afterwards, he/Blaster Dark made an arc with his sword and launched a blast of energy towards Bahr. "No trigger."

"Damage check, no trigger." Spark sent Dragonic Overlord to his damage zone.

"Now, boosted by Painter, Nemain!" (POW: 9000)

"Guard, Gattling Claw Dragon!" (SLD + POW: 13000)

"I end my turn." (Hand 4, Damage: 1/2)

"My turn, draw." Spark looked at his hand. Two Dragonic Overlord the End's, Nehalem, Tahr, Bahr, and Burning Horn Dragon. I'll miss the Cross Ride, but at least I can hit for decent numbers. "Ride. Dragon Knight, Nehalem! Now, I use Conroe's skill! Counterblast and self-retire! I search my deck for Wyvern Guard, Barri and add him to my hand."

(RC) (Nehalem) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 1/1

"Nehalem attacks!" Spark/Nehalem jumped from his mount, and threw his javelin. (POW: 10000)

"Guard, Grim Reaper!" A demon with a scythe appeared in front of Blaster Dark. (SLD: 20000, Hand: 3, Damage: 1/2)

"Drive check." Spark gritted his teeth as the lance was blocked. Dragon Monk, Gojo was added to his hand. "No trigger."

"I end my turn." (Hand: 6, Damage: 1/1)

"My turn, draw." Midnight gritted his teeth as he forced the black mist to expand. "Cursed dragon of the lance, spread the wings of annihilation on these fools and show them the true meaning of power! Stand up... Phantom Blaster Dragon, RIDE THE VANGUARD!!!"

Midnight/Blaster Dark yelled as the black mist enveloped him, slowly forming into a tornado. A blast of black lightning pierced the storm, revealing a dark dragon wielding a dual-bladed lance. (POW: 11000)

"Really?" Spark yawned. "I'm pretty sure you're screwed, considering the cards in my hand."

"Nope, not really. I call.... Jaegbau. I activate his effect. When he's called, if my Vanguard is a 'Blaster', I can Soulblast Fullbau and retire him. I unflip one damage." Midnight leered at Spark, who had a surprised expression on his face. "Soaring through the dark sky, casting a shadow of death and despair... The lance of Tartarus craves for the souls of the living! Stain the land with the blood of the sinful and innocent alike! DAMNED CHARGING LANCE!!!"

Phantom Blaster Dragon roared as he slaughtered his allies left and right. A rush of miasma covered the dragon, with all his blue markings now a fiery red. (POW: 21000/CRT: 2)

(RC) (PBD) (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 2/2

"Phantom Blaster Dragon attacks!" The dragon of the underworld swung his lance at the dragon rider, causing a blast of dark wind. (POW: 21000/CRT: 2)

"I nullify with Wyvern Guard, Barri!" Spark yelled throwing the Perfect Guard onto the Guardian Circle. He then discarded Tahr. (SLD: 0, nullified)

"Twin drive. First..." Midnight revealed Abyss Freezer. "I draw. Second... Mac Lir. Tch..."

The lance slammed into the white knight and his crimson mount, shattering the yellow barrier he had erected.

"I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/2)

"My turn, draw." Spark closed his eyes. "Chaotic hellfire in the midst of destruction... Forbidden power is fully unleashed, tearing own soul to shreds... The finale has come. Dragon of dragons, flame of apocalypse..."

A crimson aura suddenly surrounded Spark, covering the surrounding area with flames. A savage roar echoed through the arena, causing some of the audience members to faint.

"Tyrant of flames, master of reducing everything in this world to ashes. Unseen deathbringer, killing all in his way instantly."

"So... He's using The End immediately for maximum pressure..." Scootaloo muttered, completely in awe of the flames surrounding Spark.

"But, The End doesn't have any Counterblasts to use..." Sweetie Belle muttered, but she felt a chill go up her spine. He's planning something big....!

"Flames, break. Life, die. Beginning, end. The Crimson Reaper comes... Now. Stand up, my avatar! Ride! I invoke your existence! DRAGONIC OVERLORD -- THE END!!!" The white colt yelled, slamming the card onto the Vanguard Circle. Nehalem was englufed by a surge of red energy, and was replaced by a four-armed red dragon. (G3/11000)

"I call Burn Cross Dragon and use his skill! Soulblast, and I retire him." Spark smirked. "I unflip one damage. Now I call Bahr!"

"That sneaky little..." Scootaloo muttered while glaring at the screen.

"..." Sweetie Belle felt an incomprehensible fear in the back of her mind. Spark's going to win... But why do I feel so uneasy? There's something... wrong...

(RC) (DOTE) (RC)

(RC) (Bahr) (RC)

Hand: 2, Damage: 0/2

"Boosted by Bahr, Overlord the End attacks Blaster Dragon!" Spark yelled as the dragon behind him ascended, and aimed both guns at the demonspawn. (POW: 19000)

"No guard."

"Heh... Twin drive check, first is... Dragonic Overlord, no trigger. Second... Tahr! All effects to my Vanguard!"

Midnight stayed silent as Blaster Dark and Jaegbau were sent to the damage. Dragonic Overlord shot several rounds at Blaster Dragon, causing bits of its armor to be broken off. "No triggers..." (Hand: 5, Damage: 2/4)

"Flames feed on flames, and hellfire will never stop burning! Dragonic Overlord the End's Persona Blast! ETERNAL APOCALYPSE!" Spark yelled, dumping a copy of The End into the drop zone. The crimson dragon roared, and charged towards its broken opponent to finish it off. (POW: 16000)

"Nullified. Mac Lir." Midnight said, dropping the Perfect Guard onto the Guardian Circle. A black knight with twin golden barriers blocked the dragon, before dispersing into violet sparkles. (SLD: 0)

"I end my turn." Spark grimaced as he noticed his lack of a Perfect Guard. Even if he uses Damned Charging Lance I can guard most of it... Even if I can't, I can just take it. It's over for him. But... Why is he so confident?

"My turn, draw." The violet pegasus looked at Spark, before... the darkness around his eyes vanished. "Spark. One last time... Are you not joining me?"

The white colt shook his head, and the crimson dragon behind him roared.

"Fine then." Midnight threw a card in the air, and the card suddenly exploded into black shards, scattering on the ground near Phantom Blaster Dragon. "Crying out in despair in the chaos that is silence, the claws of the Netherworld tear everything asunder under my command! Breaking light itself, defying reality... Malice that consumes all, damning the world itself with its awakening! In a world where light exists... I will be the one to destroy it! RIDE THE VANGUARD!!!

A shadowy aura sprung from the ground, stabbing Phantom Blaster from different angles. It tore the dragon apart, eliciting roars of agony from the dying creature. Finally, a large tendril stabbed it in the chest, and tore the beast in half.

"What..." Spark stepped away.

"... in..." Scootaloo said, while making an expression of disgust and horror. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle just stared at the CV screen.

"... Tartarus?" Silver Spoon muttered, her mind not able to process what was going on in front of them. The dragon's corpse was being... eaten by the shadow. That shadow was, if you can even call it, somehow alive.

The aura formed into a sphere, and shot its tendrils in multiple directions. The biggest one was shot at the audience, causing an explosion. The audience went into a panic as the sphere started to shatter, and revealed a black abomination of a dragon covered in red and golden markings. (G?/??000)

"Stand up, Gust Blaster Dragon." Midnight chuckled, as the dragon broke free from the sphere. Roaring, it flew higher into the sky as darkness followed it. "Due to system constraints, he will be considered a Grade 3 with 11000 base power."

The black horror roared, making Overlord the End step back a bit. Spark gulped. This... thing could not be called a dragon - no, it was not even alive. Yet... Why did have the qualities of a living being? Furthermore, why did this exist in this exact place and time? It was not supposed to exist. Not yet, anyways. It would have been more likely to happen in the future, but...

There's only one thing that can explain it. PSY brought 'life' to Phantom Blaster Dragon's malice...!?

It was nearly impossible on both worlds to bring a physical form to one's emotions. However, when the laws of the world are twisted beyond comprehension...

....! Damn it, it means I was too early in summoning The End?! Or was I supposed to lose against Blaster Overlord?! Spark gritted his teeth. No, I can't give up here. I'm in the lead. He can't possibly kill me from this damage, even a double critical wouldn't be enough...!

"Now, call. Blaster Dark, Grim Reaper, Arianrhod."

(RC) (GBD) (BD)

(RC) (GrR) (Arian)

Hand: 0, Damage: 2/4

"Boosted by Arianrhod, Blaster Dark attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"Guard, Tahr!"

"Now, Gust Blaster Dragon attacks, and since there's a Blaster in my soul, I gain 2000 Power!" Gust Blaster roared, and an unearthly aura covered the hideous beast.

"What...?!"

"Unholy terror of the darkness, spread the black flames of death upon this world! Crying out in hollow despair, stain the land with the blood of the innocent! LIMIT BREAK! ECHO OF THE DAMNED!!!"

"Limit... Break!?" Spark yelled, completely surprised. "What....!?"

"It's an effect that can only be activated when you have a certain amount of damage, and for good reason." Midnight chuckled. "Gust Blaster gains 5000 Power and an extra critical... for each Blaster in soul!"

"What...!?" The white colt gritted his teeth. So that's what he was after... Make sure I blew my Perfect Guard early, and then finish me with this...!

Gust Blaster roared as the tendrils suddenly gathered around him, twisting into a vaguely dragonic shape, and charged at The End. (POW: 36000/CRIT: 6)

"What?! How!?" Scootaloo slammed her hoof on a table. "That's too strong, even for Shadow Paladin...!"

Sweetie Belle gulped. The card itself isn't that strong, but since he has PSY Qualia active... Oh Celestia, NO!

Her eyes widened and she started running to the Fight Field, ignoring her teammates' cries of alarm. "This can't be happening... He's actually losing..."

"No guard, I assume?" Midnight grinned.

Spark stayed silent.

"Now, finish him, Blaster Drago-"

"Sacrificing everything, I made this oath. Hellfire consumes hellfire, and these flames shall never stop burning." A crimson aura surrounded Spark, who closed his eyes while chanting.

"?!"

"This is the only path, my resolution burns bright. To this world, I offer unto thee -- "

"My soul. Break open, COUNTER DAMNATION!!!" The aura transferred to the dragon in front of him, and Spark collapsed. Overlord growled as the aura shimmered around him, and charged.

"Counter Damnation?!" Midnight yelled. "What the hell is that!? No matter. Destroy him, Gust Blaste-"

His cry was cut off by Overlord ramming into Gust Blaster, and the flames completely consuming the darkness enveloping the unholy abomination.

Sweetie Belle panted, arriving at her team's watch area. She saw Spark unconscious, and the two dragons being consumed in a whirlwind of crimson and violet flames. Midnight was screeching in pain, as if he was burning along with the units. "What...!?"

--Why.

She stared at Spark's unconscious body and Dragonic Overlord the End, his avatar, who was slowly wasting away. The flames were scattering as well, setting some seats in the audience on fire.

--Why can't I do anything?

She looked at Midnight and Gust Blaster Dragon, who were once her allies.

--I need power. I need to stop this.

She felt something snap inside of her, and did not notice her right eye glowing a bright blue.

Power. I need to reach them, right now--!

Everyone's attention was suddenly on the explosion of blue light near Team Crusader's watch area. Sweetie Belle dissolved into blue sparkles, and was replaced by a white knight that had a certain sword.

"--? I was summoned...?" Blaster Blade looked at the burning dragons in front of him and understood immediately. "!? Overlord and... Tch. Trigger, Buster Crash."

Blaster Blade jumped from the platform and performed a vertical slash. A torrent of lightning came from the blade, forcing the two dragons apart. He landed between them, and jammed his sword into the ground. The dragons roared at him, and aimed their respective weapons (tentacles in Gust Blaster's case) at the knight.

"--Let us continue this battle in Cray. There are too many innocents here." He muttered, before a wave of energy blasted everything in the arena with light. When it subsided, all that was left were three unconscious ponies.

Sweetie Belle woke to the sound of cards shuffling. She looked around, and found Spark sitting beside her with his left foreleg in a splint. "S-Spark...?"

"Yo." The green-maned colt forced out a smile, before sighing. "You do realize what you've done, right?"

"What... do you mean?"

He sighed. "Sweetie Belle. You summoned Blaster Blade to Equis with your own soul as a catalyst."

"... How?"

"I sensed both PSY Qualia and Hunter abilities from you." He said, bringing his deck out. Overlord was the front card, but... he was gray. The entire card was gray. "You used PSY Qualia's image materialization properties alongside a limited version of Counter Damnation, which was the use of the soul to take over a unit temporarily. You even manifested the ability to kill PSY, which would explain how you stopped me and Midnight from burning the arena down. Thanks for that."

"Counter Damnation, huh..." Sweetie Belle looked at Overlord. "What happened...?"

"Overlord's entered a deep sleep. Turning into The End using forbidden arts was bad enough, but Counter Damnation was the finishing blow." Spark sighed. "Though, since you cancelled it out before it completely burned both of us, the cooldown time has been reduced to 3 months. This is all I can do. It's all up to you now."

"How? Midnight has a Limit Break unit..." Sweetie Belle's eyes suddenly widened, and she took her deck out. She looked at Ark Saver Dragon, who had a LB4 symbol with a lightning emblem. "...! So that's what that symbol meant...!"

"On another note, I've also permanently damaged Midnight's PSY Qualia. Any advantage he would have gotten is gone." Spark started walking away, before turning and asking a question.

"A clan without a vanguard means nothing. Accept Blaster Blade as your avatar again. The fact that you summoned him means that your souls are equivalents -- A bond doesn't get any closer than that. Will you accept Blaster Blade as your avatar, or choose otherwise and lose him forever?"

Sweetie Belle took Blaster Blade out of her deck, and stared at it. She didn't notice Spark leave the room, but maybe - just maybe - she saw a light blue aura covering Blaster Blade.

"Blas... ter Blade."

The first ever card I got... What should I do..?

"Damn you, Spark..." Midnight cursed as he slammed his hoof on a table. They were in Team Foo Fighter PSY's private team room. Diamond and Silver stayed silent as they watched their team leader vent his frustration. "... Doesn't matter. We'll just have to crush them while they're weak."

Turning to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, he smiled maniacally.

"Show them no mercy. If you lose, you're kicked out of the team. Got that?"

The two mares could only nod. The violet pegasus spread out his wings, and a his shadow turned into a silhouette of Gust Blaster Dragon.

"Soon... I can finally make her pay. I will bring her to despair, and savor every single moment of it. I will enjoy seeing the look of suffering on that traitor's face, and I will spit on it! Gahahaha.... AHAHAHAHA!"

The room was filled by the sound of mad laughter, signalling that the end of this war is near.

Author's Note

Jaegbau
Grade 1/5000/High Beast

AUTO:[Soulblast (1) - non-"Blaster" & Retire this unit] When this unit is placed on (RC), if your Grade 3 vanguard has "Blaster" in its card name, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose a card from your damage zone, and turn it face up.

Burn Cross Dragon
Grade 1/5000/Flame Dragon

AUTO:[Soulblast (1) - non-"Overlord" & Retire this unit] When this unit is placed on (RC), if your Grade 3 vanguard has "Overlord" in its card name, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose a card from your damage zone, and turn it face up.

Explanation Session:

Counter Damnation: A Hunter's strongest ability. He takes the form of his current Vanguard during a losing situation, and attempts a "suicide" attack that will leave both players unconscious after, and the opponent's PSY Qualia crippled permanently. The Hunter's Vanguard unit will then go into Hibernation Mode, and cannot be used for 4 months.

Ride 000 - Prologue

Prologue

Picture it in your mind. A world just like our own!... Except that there are dragons, dinosaurs, aliens, robots, walking plants, demons and angels, among others. Now, imagine a castle in the middle of nowhere. Done? Good. Now take a peek inside.

There seems to be some sort of meeting. You see a hulking dinosaur that has a toaster-like head, a red dragon with a sword, a pony clad in white armor, another clad in black, and a few oddities like mermaids and vampires. You see the black knight-pony stand up.

“Serve the Shadow Paladins! We offer you victory!” he says. ”There will be sacrifices, but that is inevitable in war!!”

“No sacrifices must be made. We can all work together to banish the Void.” All eyes in the room turn to the white knight.

“Ha! Your petty bonds of ‘friendship’ amuse me, Blaster Blade!” says the black knight. “This is war! ‘Friendship’ has no place in the battlefield!”

"You may think so, but remember, that was the same ideology that prevented you from wielding the sword of li-“

"Silence! How dare you mention that?!" yelled the black knight of shadows.

"I only state what is true." says the knight that was called 'Blaster Blade'. " The sword of light and courage does not pick cowards and traitors."

"BUUUURRRRNNN!" yelled the red dragon. Everpony glared at him. "What?"

"As I was saying earlier, I offer you victory in exchange for servitude." says the black knight. "Any objections?"

The white pony-knight and a multitude of others raise their hooves, claws, well, you get it.

The black pony-knight looks genuinely angry now. " You... Royal Paladin scum..... You dare oppose me!?" The group called 'Royal Paladin' is about to retort, but is cut off by the dark knight. "Let us settle this on the battlefield, scum!" And with that, the black knight storms out, and a group of creatures that also have black armor go with him.

Everypony in the room looked at the white knight. He then stands up and clears his throat.

"I assure you I will knock sense into that knight's head, everypony." he states. "Royal Paladins! Prepare yourselves for war!"

"... And that's how Canterlot was founded." said a magenta earth pony. "Any questions, class?"

Nopony raised their hooves.

"Ok then. Announcements! Congratulations, Sweetie Belle! You got an A+ on the math test! Keep up the good work!" said the magenta pony. "I'm sure your sister would be proud!"

"Thanks Miss Cheerilee!" squeaked the filly known as Sweetie Belle. She was a white unicorn with a purple and pink mane styled in curls.

"Anyway, Silver Spoon, you got an A-! Good work! said Cheerilee. "Study harder, and maybe next time, you can pass Sweetie!"

The gray earth pony filly called Silver Spoon simply pouted and glared at Sweetie Belle.

"Anyway, most of the class passed! Except for a few. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, you have detention."

A certain orange pegasus and a yellow earth pony groaned. At the opposite side of the class, a pink filly was smiling maliciously at them. The bell rung afterwards.

"That's all! Class dismissed! Scootaloo, Apple Bloom you will stay behind." said Cheerilee.

Most of the class packed their stuff and went home, except for three certain fillies.

"See you later, blank-flanks!" said the pink filly "You deserved it!"

"Yeah! What DT said!" yelled Silver Spoon. "You get that for not studying!"

"Girls!! That's a very mean thing to say!" scolded Cheerilee. "Honestly, why can't you all get along..."

"Let's bail, Silvy." said 'DT'. "These blank-flanks aren't worth our time."

"Yeah, you got that right." said Silver Spoon, as both walked out of the classroom.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom just sat on their chairs, facing their desks with a look of anger and frustration. Cheerilee just sighed, and said, "Girls, I'll be getting your supplementary tests. Stay here." She then left the room, shaking her head and mumbling something.

"Uhh... Hey Scoots, AB." Both turned to look at the forgotten filly.

"Hey Sweetie! Aren't you supposed to be out now?" asked Apple Bloom, the yellow filly with a bow.

"Yeah, but I wanna play with you guys!" said Sweetie Belle. "Why'd you fail the exam anyway?"

"It's 'cos me and Scoots here stayed up all night crusading!" said Apple Bloom. "Ain't that right, Scoots?"

"Yeah, I really thought we'd get our cutie marks in spying..." said the orange filly known as Scootaloo. "But we'll probably get it next time, right?"

"You guys! You went crusading without me again?" squeaked Sweetie.

"Sorry, but you never have the time to anymore!" retorted Scootaloo. "You're always too busy studying!"

"It's because I want to impress Rarity!" replied Sweetie anxiously. "And besides, we've tried everything, and we still haven't gotten them!"

"Okay, okay. Yeesh. How about we meet up at the playground later? Deal?" asked Scootaloo.

"Deal!" said the two other fillies.

"Well, see you later guys!" she said as she picked up her saddlebags and left. Once she was in the hallway, she felt a sudden blast of cold air, even though the windows were closed. Dissmissing it, she went outside and immediately ran home, leaving her saddlebags near the door and yelling a bunch of stuff about waiting at the playground for her friends. She immediately got scolded by her sister for yelling, but let she her back out eventually.

She ran to the playground as fast as she could, but when she got there, she saw nopony but the two bullies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"Hey DT, look! It's the blank-flank again!" said Silver Spoon. "What are you doing here, huh?

"Yeah, don't tell me you *gasp* live here!" sneered Diamond Tiara. "Oh, is the little blank-flank also a homeless pony? Here, have some bits!" she said as threw a few of the golden coins at Sweetie.

"Just leave me alone!" shouted Sweetie Belle. "Stop bullying me, please!"

"Bullying? You call this bullying? THIS is bullying!" said Silver as she swung her hoof at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie closed her eyes, anticipating the blow, but it never came. Slowly opening her eyes, she sees (much to her shock) an older colt with a green mane and white coat holding Silver Spoon's hoof.

"What do you think you're doing?" the mystery colt asks them coldly. "I won't tolerate bullying in this playground!"

"W-why do you c-care anyway? It's n-none of your b-business!" stammered Diamond Tiara.

"Yes, yes it is. Now get out of here before I call your parents on you, Diamond Tiara was it? I'm sure your father, Filthy Rich, won't be proud of the fact that his daughter became a delinquent!" said the mystery colt, smirking.

"Y-you wouldn't d-dare!" she said, her eyes widening in horror.

The mystery colt turns around for a bit, and then he turns around with a cellphone in hoof. "Hello? Is this the Rich residence?"

"S-Silver Spoon, w-we're totally o-out of here!" she stammered.

"But DT-" she began, but was interrupted by Diamond.

"No buts! Let's get out of here!" she says, and they ran away faster than you can say 'Twilight Sparkle'.

"Hey, you alright there?" says the mystery colt. Sweetie nods.

"T-thanks for your help." said Sweetie Belle. "Why'd you help me anyway?"

"Ummm... that's confidential... anyway, let me tell you something." said the colt as he brought out a card with an illustration of a white pony-knight. "See this card?"

Sweetie nods. "This guy is a knight of justice and bravery. He's the defender of the weak. A knight in shining armor.

"He has power, but he uses it for good." he said. "Now, I want you to be like him. If you have power, don't abuse it, unlike those two fillies a while ago. Take this card as a reminder of that. See you in the Vanguard Fight Championships! Hope I get to cardfight you!"

Sweetie took the card in her hooves and looked at it. The knight was wielding a sword that she could've swore saw somewhere.

"Hey, thanks for every-" she began, but when she looked up, the colt wasn't there anymore.

"Sweetie Belle! Sweetie Belle!" she turned and saw the rest of the Crusaders galloping towards her.

She hid the card from view in her saddlebags. "Uh... Hey girls!"

"Let's go build a fort!" said Apple Bloom. "Maybe we can get our cutie marks in building!"

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS FORT BUILDERS YAY!!!" said the two fillies, one of them with a little bit less enthusiasm, though. "Let's go!"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo immediately ran towards the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, but Sweetie stayed behind.

She took out the card and saw a bunch of text and wierd purple symbols. She looked down to see the name of the card.

"Sweetie Belle! Are you coming or not!?" yelled Scootaloo from somewhere.

"I'm coming!" she yelled. She took one last look at the card, put it in her saddlebags, and ran after her friends.

That card's name was pretty weird though. she thought. What kind of a name is Blaster Blade?

Ride 005 - Shop Qualifiers! Oracle Think Thank, Advance!

"Wish you were here," muttered Spark Light darkly. "Midnight."

"Uhhh... Spark? What're you talking about?" questioned Sweetie Belle, breaking free from her friends' hugs. The colt stayed silent and ignored her.

"Hey bud!! Answer Sweetie Belle's question!!" said Scootaloo, pissed off. "She saved the darn card shop you ungratefu-"

"Fillies and gentlecolts! May I have your attention?" yelled Card Keeper, amplified by a microphone. "The Shop Qualifiers are about to begin!!!"

"SHOP QUALIFIERS!?" yelled our three main mares in surprise. They didn't even know that this shop even held them in the first place.

"Anypony may join." Card Keeper continued. "The only requirement is to have a legal Vanguard deck and passes that record your wins, which are being handed out right now."

A brown mare gave the trio of Crusaders a piece of enchanted paper. "That paper will automatically record all of your legitimate wins, and it will take 4 wins to advance to the next stage, but if anypony gets 10 or more wins, the top 3 get picked to be Ponyville's representative team, and the fourth member is chosen by the team by choosing three fighters, one of them at random, and making them fight each other in a free-for-all battle royale!"

Sweetie Belle gulped. A minute ago, she was just saving the card shop. Now, she was competing in the Qualifiers, which would lead her to an all-expenses-paid trip to Canterlot, and a pass to the regionals if she/her team won that.

"And now, LET THE QUALIFIERS BEGIN!!!"

At the instant these words were uttered, Tartarus broke loose. After a few (6) fights, which she all won, Sweetie Belle found herself looking for a familiar face or someone to fight, and that's when she saw her. A face she hadn't seen in a few years. An orchid unicorn mare with a shiny golden mane, with six crystalline bubbles as her cutie mark.

"Hey Dinky Doo!" squeaked Sweetie Belle. "Long time no see!"

Dinky Doo turned to see her former classmate standing behind her. "Hi, Sweetie Belle! I just got here!"

"I thought you were at that private school?"

Dinky shrugged. "Oh. That. The girls there are all snobs and bullies."

"Oh... Then how do you co-"

"Excuse me! NEW SUDDEN DEATH RULE!!! TAKE TOO LONG TO FIND ANOTHER FIGHTER AND YOU'RE OUT!!!"

Sweetie Belle tensed. She had to find another fighter and she was about to run away to find another fighter, when Dinky placed her hoof on Sweetie's shoulder.

"Uh, Sweetie? Can I cardfight you?" said Dinky nervously. "I haven't... tested out my deck yet... if that helps."

"Sure!" said the white unicorn mare. "Let me set us up."

Sweetie found an unoccupied table, and both of them took opposite sides, with Sweetie Belle taking the left, and Dinky the right.

"Stand up..."

"... my..."

"Vanguard!!" both said, as they flipped their First Vanguards.

"Picture it in your mind... You are the vanguard on Planet Cray..." said Sweetie as she closed her eyes, glimpsing Dinky do the same. Sweetie imagined herself as an astral being, floating on the surface of Cray, near a valley where the battle was happening.

"Barcgal!!!" A silver robot dog wielding a dagger suddenly appeared on left perimeter of the battlefield.

"Lozenge Magus!!!" Dinky suddenly manifested herself in the valley as a snow-white mare, wearing a pink, diamond-patterned set of clothes, while holding a staff with rubies in it.

"My turn! I draw!" Dinky said, picking up the top card of her deck. "Ride! Oracle Guardian, Gemini! Lozenge Magus moves! Turn end."

(RC) (Gemini) (RC)

(RC) (Lozenge) (RC)

Hand: 5 Damage: 0 Soul: 0

"My turn!! Draw, and I ride Little Sage Marron!!! Barcgal moves!" said Sweetie Belle as she took form on Planet Cray as herself, albeit clad in blue robes and wearing glasses. (Hand: 5) "Barcgal's skill! I rest him, and I call Flogal! Call, Future Knight, Llew!!"

(RC) (Marron) (RC)

(Llew) (Barcgal) (Flogal)

Hand: 4 Damage: 0 Soul: 0

"Marron attacks!" (Power: 8000)

"No guard!"

"Drive check! No trigger!" Sweetie Belle added a card with the illustration of a white and blue dragon to her hand.

"Damage check! No trigger." A copy of Battle Sister, Maple was sent to the damage zone. (Damage: 1)

"Turn end." (Hand: 5 Damage: 0)

Dinky drew the top card of her deck. "I ride, Oracle Guardian, Wiseman!!! (Power: 10000)" The cybernetic peach-colored filly robot turned into a coal-black statue of a stallion with glowing eyes. "I call! Dark Cat! Sword Dancer Angel!"

(Sword Dancer Angel) (Wiseman) (RC)

(Dark Cat) (Lozenge Magus) (RC)

Hand: 2 Damage: 1 Soul: 1

"Dark Cat's skill! I draw!" (Hand: 3)

"Me too!" (Hand: 6)

"Sword Dancer Angel's skill! She gets Power +1000 (Power: 9000)! Call, Psychic Bird! Skill, put into the soul for a draw (Soul: 2)! Sword Dancer's skill! (Power:10000) and I call! Luck Bird! Soulblast! I draw (Hand: 4)! Sword Dancer gains Power +1000!" said Dinky, panting. "Dark Cat boosts, Sword Dancer attacks (Power: 18000)!"

"Tsk... No guard." (Damage: 1)

"Lozenge boosts, Wiseman attacks!!" Wiseman's eyes start glowing, and shoot a golden beam of energy towards Marron/Sweetie. "Lozenge's skill! Wiseman gains Power +3000! (Power: 16000)!!"

"I guard with Epona (Hand: 5)!!!" A red-maned filly riding on a golden beetle takes the attack for Marron and dissolves into golden spakles.

"Drive check, Dream Eater! Draw Trigger!!!" (Hand: 6)

"Damage check. No trigger." A copy of Knight of Silence, Gallatin ended up in the damage zone. (Damage: 2)

"Turn end. Lozenge Magus returns to my deck and I shuffle."

"My turn! Stand and draw (Hand: 6)!!!" Sweetie Belle flipped a card of damage. "Llew's skill! All to the soul! Superior ride, my avatar! BLASTER BLADE (Soul: 4)! Call! Gallatin! Marron! Gallatin! (Hand: 2)"

(Gallatin) (BB) (Gallatin)

(Marron) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 3 Damage: 1(flipped)/2(total)

SP Counter - Soul: 4

"Gallatin attacks!"

"No guard! Damage check, draw trigger!" (Hand: 8 Damage: 2)

"Blaster Blade attacks! Drive check, critical trigger get!!" (Hand: 4)

"Damage check, once; no trigger. Second check; Critical get!! All effects to the vanguard (Power: 15000)!!" (Damage: 4)

"End turn."

"My turn. Stand and draw (Hand: 9)." Dinky looked at the card she drew and smiled. "Shining goddess of divination, the ancient petal storms you create shall change the destiny of Cray! Bloom, Goddess of Flower Divination, Sakuya!!"

Dinky suddenly appears on the surface of Cray, wearing a pink kimono tied with a blue ribbon, while her some of her mane are in loops. "Her- no, my skill! ANCIENT CHERRY BLOSSOMS!!! I return all rear-guards to the hand (Hand: 11)!" Dink said, before pausing to breathe.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Continuing, I call, Wiseman!! Dark Cat! Her skill! I draw (Hand: 10)! Call, Battle Sister, Cocoa! I check the top card of my deck. I place it back. I also call Maiden of Libra and Gemini. Sakuya's skill, too! She gets Power +4000!!!"

(Wiseman) (Sakuya) (Libra)

(Dark Cat) (Gemini) (Cocoa)

Hand: 7 Damage: 4 Soul: 1

Sweetie Belle tensed. Even if she was able to survive this turn, Dinky had an INSANE hand advantage. She needed to destroy that hand, but how? Oh wait, she had that card...

"Cat boosts, Wiseman attacks!!!"

"No guard. Damage check, no trigger." (Damage: 3)

"Gemini boosts, Sakuya attacks!" (Power: 22000)

"Hmmm..." She kept the top card there... Should I? Sweetie thought. Dang it, I'll take a risk!

"No guard!"

"Oh?" Dinky asked, amused. "Think it was a bluff? Let's see... First check,-"

Moment if truth. Sweetie gulped.

"- CRITICAL GET!! All effects to the vanguard!"

Buck.

"Second check,-"

Well, at least it couldn't get any worse.

"- Critical get!!! (Power: 32000 Critical: 3)

Uhh.......

"I d-damage check... First.. No trigger... Second, draw trigger! I draw.... Third.."

Well, there's still some hope for a heal-

"... King of Knights, Alfred."

Or not.

Sweetie Belle sighed and smiled. "Well, I lose."

"Yay!! First cardfight in real life and I WIN!!!"

"Wait, WHAT!?"

"Umm.. I usually play online instead.. Hehe..." chuckled the orchid mare, rubbing the back of her head.

Sweetie was going to reply, but she was interrupted by Card Keeper's announcement. "OKAY!!! THE PRELIMS ARE DONE!! First place with his fiery destroyers, we have SPARK LIGHT!!!"

Most ponies clapped in applause, but some gritted their teeth and muttered obscenities.

"Second, with her Murakumo, we have Scootaloo!!"

Now, most ponies cheered, save for a certain duo of pink and silver watching from outside, who vanished from sight quickly.

"And third, we have Apple Bloom!"

The audience had the same response as earlier with Scootaloo.

"Now choose the fourth-"

"Sweetie Belle!" said the two ex-Crusaders, and Spark grumbling the same thing.

"And then-"

Scootaloo pointed at Sweetie Belle's right, which caused a pegasus colt with a red mane and golden coat to flinch. "Uhhhh....."

"Name!"

"Err... Rocket Blaze, ma'am!"

"You have the next largest amount of wins to Sweetie! You're in!!"

"O-Ok!!"

"And finally, the random one is-" Card picked up an envelope, tore it open and read what was inside. "Rumble."

A certain gray pegasus with a dark mane in the crowd did a brohoof with his companion, a pink unicorn with a blue mane.

"And now..." Card began, as the three competitors began advancing towards an illuminated table with 3 ports. "Let's take a break!"

Author's Note

Pardon my OTT playstyle. Like Dinky, it's my first time using/writing Oracle Think Thank! XD
For that certain somepony who requested OTT. Here. ya happy? She broke Sweets' current 6-win streak. And this is her first time using cards in real life, since Dinky usually cardfights online instead.

Ride 019 - Super Dimensional Combination! Clash, Overlord and The King of Braves!

Card Capital, Ponyville...

Sweetie Belle was playing a casual game with Apple Bloom , when a thought crossed her mind. Where's Spark? Rarity said he notified police officers right after seeing me unconscious, but...

"Hey Sweetie Belle! Don't blank out during a cardfight, okay!?" The other mare yelled, snapping her out of her trance. "Blaukluger attacks your Vanguard!"

"O-Okay..." Sweetie said. "No guard."

Somewhere else, but still in Ponyville...

Spark Light was walking in a silver hallway. He had seen Sweetie Belle unconscious, and helped her. Which also served his purpose. Facing a door, he opened it.

Inside was a golden pegasus colt with a red mane, and a cream-colored earth pony mare with a semi-curly mane, wearing purple glasses. Both turned to look at him.

"Ah, you must be Spark Light." said the mare. "My name is Peppermint Twist, but you may just call me Twist. You must be here for... that, I assume?"

Wordlessly, Spark nodded. Twist turned to Rocket, who was grinning.

"So, what the hell did you want from me?"

"Information." Spark replied. "About your match with Midnight."

Rocket's grin faded a little. "Oh. Straight to the point, are we? I can just give you the information."

"Then do it-"

"But that would be too easy." Rocket said, smirking. "Beat me in a cardfight. Twist, assemble the playing field."

Twist nodded, and slammed a red button on the wall. Two tables popped up, and the walls moved back. Spark rolled his eyes.

"What? Being the former National Champion has its perks." Rocket said as both of them placed the Starting Vanguards on the tables' Vanguard Circles.

"Stand up..." they both started in unison, placing their hooves on their cards. Spark took the left side, while Rocket took the right side of the field.

"... the..."

"... VANGUARD!!!" both yelled, flipping over the cards and causing a bright flash of light.

"Stand up the Vanguard!"

"Stand up Vanguard!"

"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!" A green Dragonman wearing a traditional armor appeared, brandishing an axe. (G0/5000)

"Enigman Flow!" A white alien with glowing green accents landed. (G0/5000)

"My turn, draw." Spark placed a card on the Vanguard circle, causing Conroe to be enveloped in a red light. "Ride, Embodiment of Armor, Bahr (G1/8000)! Conroe moves to the Circle behind him, and I end." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Let's do this, I draw!" his opponent said, before enveloping Flow in a cyan aura. "Ride! Karenroid, Daisy the Vanguard (G1/8000)! I call another Daisy behind my Vanguard!"

(RC) (Daisy) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 0

"Boosted by Daisy, my Vanguard attacks!" (POW: 16000)

"I don't guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"Checking my drive trigger!" Rocket revealed a card, which immediately glowed a bright red. "Draw trigger! All to the vanguard, and I draw a card!"

"Checking the damage." Spark put Wyvern Guard, Barri (G1/6000; Shield: 0) into his Damage Zone. "No trigger."

"Well, I end my turn." (Hand: 5, Damage: 0)

"My turn. I draw." Spark flashed a smirk at Rocket, making the pegasus harden his gaze. "Ride the Vanguard! Prowling Dragon, Striken!"

A red and black dragon replaced the demonic knight, then fell asleep right after it gained a grip on the ground. (G2/10000)

"Are you serious?" Rocket said, smiling. "Didn't you say this unit was garbage a few years back?"

"I learned better." Spark retorted. "Also, I activate Conroe's skill! I retire Conroe, and I search my deck for a Grade One or less unit! I add Wyvern Guard, Barri to my hand. Now call! Dragon Knight, Nehalem (G2/10000)!"

(Nehalem) *(CD, Striken)* (RC)

(RC) (RC) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 1 (flipped)/1 (total)

*(Card name)* = Restraint

"Nehalem attacks your Vanguard!" (POW: 10000)

"I don't guard. Damage check, no trigger." (Hand: 6, Damage: 0/1)

"I end my turn." Spark Light furrowed his brows in annoyance.

"My turn, Stand and draw!" Rocket sighed as he placed a card on the Vanguard Circle. "Obstruct evil with the blinding twin lights of justice! RIDE!!! TWIN ORDER!!!"

A red robot holding two laser swords flashed into existence, moving into an attacking position. (G2/10000)

"Now call! Another Twin Order to the Rear Guard!"

(TwinO) (TwinO) (RC)

(RC) (Daisy) (RC)

Hand: 5, Damage: 0 flipped/1 total

"With a boost from Daisy, my vanguard attacks!" (POW: 18000)

"No guard." (Hand: 5, Damage: 1 flipped/1 total)

"Checking my drive trigger." Rocket revealed a card that had a blue robot wielding a red and gold shield, making Spark's eyes widen. Rocket grinned. "Looks like the king is here. No trigger."

"Damage check." Spark revealed a card with a red pony wielding a staff riding a floating cloud. "Dragon Monk, Goku (G3/10000). No trigger." (Damage: 1/2)

"Now, Twin Order attacks your Vangua-"

"You activated Striken's skill. When I'm attacked by an unboosted unit, he gets an extra 5000 Power, nullifying your attack." Spark snorted. "How could you have forgotten that?"

"Dammit! Why did I forget that?! Turn end." Rocket said, annoyed.

"My turn. Stand and draw." Spark grabbed a card in his hoof, making it glow. "Crimson reaper of the apocalypse, reduce everything in this world to ashes! I RIDE THE VANGUARD! DRAGONIC OVERLORD!!!"

A red dragon appeared, wings blazing. It roared, clutching its giant saber made from the bone of its kin. (G3/11000)

"Activating Striken's skill! Since I rode another Kagerō unit on him, he gives that unit 5000 Power and an extra Critical until the end of this turn!" Overlord's yellow eyes suddenly glowed, and the dragon was enveloped in a dazzling crimson aura. (POW: 16000, Critical: 2)

"Tch..."

"Now, I call! Embodiment of Armor, Bahr (G1/8000)!"

(Nehalem) (DO) (RC)

(RC) (Bahr) (RC)

Hand: 4, Damage: 1 flipped/2 total

"With a boost from Bahr, Dragonic Overlord attacks your Vanguard!" The red dragon charged a ball of fire in his mouth, wings blazing. (POW: 24000, CRIT: 2)

"Tch... NO GUARD!" (Hand: 6, Damage: 0 flipped/1 total)

"Checking my drive trigger." Spark revealed the top card of the deck, which immediately glowed a bright yellow. "Embodiment of Spear, Tahr! Critical to Overlord, Power to Nehalem! Second check..."

"Dammit... No more Critical Triggers..."

"... Dragon Dancer, Monica! Power to Nehalem, and I draw a card!"

"Damage trigger check!" Rocket winced as three cards flew to the Damage Zone, one of them being a silver and red robo-bird. (Damage: 0/4)

"Now, Nehalem attacks!" (POW: 20000)

"No guard. Damage trigger check!" Rocket revealed a copy of Justice Rose. "Heal trigger! Power to the Vanguard, and I heal one damage!" (Damage: 0/4, Twin Order's POW: 15000)

"Hmph. Turn end." (Hand: 6, Damage: 1 flipped/2 total)

"My turn. Stand and draw." Rocket said, surprisingly calm. Suddenly, a shriek pierced the air.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshhe'sgonnause HIM!" squealed Twist, sounding like a fangirl.

[BGM: Vanguard]

"Let's go!" Rocket suddenly yelled, catching the two's attention. "The King of Braves is here! With the right arm of destruction and the left arm of protection, the blazing embodiment of my soul destroys the evil plaguing the universe! BRAVE IN! STAND UP, SUPER DIMENSIONAL ROBO... DA DA DA, DA DA DA, DAIYUUSHA!!!"

Twin Order disappeared, and in a flash of a bright blue light, the Vanguard Circle itself appeared on the battlefield, facing the opponent. Suddenly, a gray fist came out and punched Overlord on the jaw, sending the red dragon reeling back. Spark could only glare as a giant blue robot appeared.

"Now, call! Cosmo Beak (G2/8000)!" A silver bird with red parts appeared, glowing. "I activate his Counterblast! I give 4000 Power to Daiyusha! COSMO SHOOT!!!"

The silver bird suddenly morphed into a set of blasters, which mounted themselves on Daiyusha's right hand right after his sword turned into an extra attachment to the shield. (POW: 10000 ==> 14000)

"Now call! Cosmo Roar (G1/6000)! Masked Police, Grander (G2/8000)! Karenroid, Daisy (G1/8000)! Then, I rest Cosmo Roar, giving 2000 Power to Daiyusha!" (POW: 14000 ==> 16000)

(TwinO) (SDR,Daiyusha) (MP, Grander)

(Cosmo Roar) (K, Daisy) (K, Daisy)

Hand: 2, Damage: 2 flipped/4 total

"Boosted by Daisy, Grander attacks Dragonic Overlord! Grander's skill, another boost of 2000 Power to Daiyusha! JUSTICE KICK!!!" The red hero jumped into the air in a flying kick position. (POW: 16000)

"I guard with Embodiment of Spear, Tahr!" A pony clad in yellow took the full force of the kick, making him dissipate into gold dust. (SLD: 11000 ==> 21000)

"Now, boosted by Daisy, Daiyusha attacks Overlord! At the beginning of my attack step, if this unit’s Power is 14000 or greater, this unit gets an extra Critical until end of that battle! HELL AND HEAVEN CYCLE, BRAVE SHOOTER WAVE!!!"

The blue robot glowed cyan, pointing the blaster upwards. Suddenly, an electromagnetic tornado surrounded Daiyusha, which was concentrated near the blaster's mouth. The storm was suddenly absorbed by the blaster, so Daiyusha pointed it at Overlord and fired. (POW: 26000, CRIT: 2)

"No guard." Spark gritted his teeth as Daiyusha's blaster fired a cyan ball of energy. (Hand: 5, Damage: 1 flipped/2 total)

"Twin Drive check. First, no trigger." Spark revealed a copy of Daiyusha. "Second check... Justice Cobalt! Critical to Daiyusha, and Power to Twin Order!"

"Checking the damage. First check... Dragonic Overlord (G3/11000), no trigger. Second... Prowling Dragon, Striken (G2/10000). Third..." Spark revealed the top card. Dragon Dancer, Monica! Power to Overlord, and I draw!" (Hand: 6)

"Dammit! I end my turn."

"Stand and draw." Spark said. "Rocket. Did you feel anything off when you fought Midnight?"

"What?" Rocket said, before snorting. "Is this the info you wanted? Seriously? I thought you were asking in code! You could've just asked. I thought you were talking about what site to play 'Banned from Eques-"

"Ohoho-kay, not that. I already established my point in coming here." Spark cut off, his face heating up a bit. "Answer the question. Did you feel anything off during your battle with Midnight?

"Well..." Rocket paused for thought. "... I... felt like I was actually stabbed when he attacked. No biggie, me and my team do training in the mountains... But... This was different. There's something wrong about that guy, no matter which way you look at it."

"Thank you." Spark said, face emotionless. It's just as I suspected... "Okay, let's end this now. FINAL TURN!!!"

Rocket's eyes widened. "What!?"

Spark grabbed a card in from the top of his deck, and raised it in the air, making it glow red. "Harbinger of destruction, sieze this world in your claws, and destroy everything standing in your way! STAND UP MY AVATAR!!!"

"Oh damn." Rocket said, right before a draconic shadow loomed over him and Daiyusha. A torrent of fire crashed into the robot, causing a massive explosion to take place. Rocket winced as two cards flew to his damage zone, effectively ending the game and causing the holograms to disappear.

"Thanks for the info." Spark said, before taking his cards and walking away, leaving an awestruck duo.

So he's still using it... Now that's over with, time to investigate a certain filly...

[BGM: Vanguard/End]

Card Capital, Ponyville

"Hey cuz! Sweets! Have ya heard!? There's gonna be a local tournament!" Babs yelled, galloping towards the two.

"Yeah? What about it?" questioned Sweetie Belle.

"The winners get to compete in the VF Championship Finals, that's what!" Babs yelled. Her friends' eyes widened.

"Oh mah gosh! We can compete again!" Apple Bloom squealed.

"Yeah! And we can get back at those three!" Babs added.

Sweetie Belle, as happy as she was, said; "We need to win the tournament first. And I'll make sure we do."

Babs and Apple bloom looked at each other with uncertainty, before shrugging.

"Sure, why not?"

"Yeah. Just don't overdo yerself."

Sweetie Belle nodded, but only a single thought entered her mind.

I have to get stronger.

Author's Note

(OOc: New writing style. Hope you can... Er... Tolerate the older chapters' style/format. Thanks, and point out any and and all mistakes! Enjoy, and have fun playing Vanguard!)

Sweetie Belle: Uh... This is a new segment, the Sneak Peek! Ugh... My head hurts... (*eyes glow)

AB: Yeah! And... Sweetie, what the... Hell!?

SB: (*laughs haughtily) I've finally got a method stronger. Finally. No one will call me weak anymore.

AB: What...!? No one called ya weak in the first place!

SB: No one TOLD me. I need to-, no, I HAVE to get stronger... Next time on Cardfight!! Vanguard - EA; Back to The Championships! Hehe... I can finally show all of you my po-(*eyes stop glowing)-?... What just... happened...?

AB: Sweetie Belle... What's happening to ya...