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.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CcjFhrPugVs

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."

"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."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO5dGJlhuL8

Author's Notes:

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?