Canyon of Rocky Falls, a small canyon similar to the Grand Canyon, but much less deep. It had the particularity of having an unusual high amounts of rocks in the desert it is located in. This place is currently holding excavations, led by a 20 years old paleontologist whose shirt was white with a spiral symbol on it, reminiscent a fossil. He also wore common brown pants, they looked thin, which helps dealing with the temperature of the region. He had short dark brown hair, except on his back, where his hair fell, forming a red spike.

But one day, a small helicopter approached. On board was another young man, but he looked older than the paleontologist, almost 25 years old. He wore a suit and had some hair gel, which made him look like a businessman really out of place on an excavation site. As soon as he got off the helicopter, the latter left as quickly as it came. The man then approached the young paleontologist and said:
"Yuji Nagawa! My old star! What have you been up to?"

"What do you want, Gus?" responded Yuji, harshly.

"I just want to know why my star duelist left me and ignored everyone for 2 years."

"We had a deal! I was your star duelist until I turned 18 and you allowed me to start my career as a paleontologist. This is what I love. I'm making lots of discoveries and I am about to make the most important right now. I can't go back!"

"Things have changed. You were very popular, and everyone came for your duels. My new star duelist isn't even close to you. People miss you Yuji, and I miss you too…"

A short silence was felt, until Yuji said:
"Listen, you've been a great friend and all, but…"

"Sir!" a voice came from afar, calling for Yuji. It was one of his assistants.

"What is it?" asked Yuji.

"We found what looks like the entrance of a cave, like you were searching. The thing is, it's covered with huge rocks, and we'll never be able to break them."

"I see. The entrance is covered with rocks. That's why we had trouble locating it, and that probably explains why it was abandoned…"

"If only we had a drill, we could explore that cave in a few weeks…"

"Oh oh oh!" Gus laughed, "Looks like you need money now, and I can help you, if you accept my deal!"

Yuji looked at Gus, with an interested, yet suspicious look.

"All you have to do is duel my new star duelist, Karim. If you win, I'll pay for your drill and any other machine you might need. If you lose, then you'll have to be my new star duelist again, until I say otherwise."

"I'm not sure…" said Yuji, hesitating.

"Come on, it'll be fun! I'm even willing to help you personally with the excavation if you win!"

"Come on, boss!" the assistant said, "We know no one can defeat you!"

Yuji smiled and said "Okay, Gus! We have a deal!"

Gus smiled back, then took a phone from his suit: "Bring him."

As soon as he said that, the same helicopter that brought Gus here came back. This time, another man was on board. He looked around the same age as Yuji, but he was much more muscular than him. You could clearly see his muscles through his thin white tank top. On the contrary, his legs were very frail and barely covered by the green jeans he was wearing.

"So you finally accepted to face me?" he said while getting off the helicopter, "I'll show you who's the best!"

"Listen, I have nothing against you." answered Yuji, "I just need money for my excavations."

"Already scared? Why don't you admit I'm the better duelist already?"

"Okay guys," Gus interrupted, "you'll fight during the duel."

"Fine."

At this moment, all of Yuji's co-workers came to watch the duel that was about to unfold. Karim and Yuji both took their Duel Disks from their pockets and placed themselves at a distance. Duel Disks looked just like smartphones, except they had a hole in it to place the cards. Whenever a Duel was played, duelists would put their cards in the hole and the disk would place them adequately on a blade generated by the device. They also had a touchscreen where they could see the field and read the cards easily. Yuji's disk was dark yellow with an orange blade, while Karim's was purple with a dark blue blade.

"DUEL!"

(Both player's LP: 8000)

"I feel like going second, so I'll let you have the first move." said Karim.

"As you wish. I summon Lightning Spinosaurus!"

A giant dinosaur rose from the ground. He had sharp teeth and round spine made of electricity.
(Level 4. 1900 ATK)

"I set two cards and end my turn!"

"Typical Yuji", thought Gus, "a powerful monster, yet he is able to protect it. However, I wonder if it'll be enough to put pressure on Karim."

"Pretty weak first turn, for a fan favorite! Let me show you how it's done! I draw! First, I activate my Field Spell: Captivity Aquarium!"

Suddenly, the setting seemed to change. A large pool appeared, covering the entirety of Karim's field, filling it with water. Karim was standing just behind that pool, about to make his play.

"Then, since I have a Field Spell on the field, I can Special Summon my Domesticated Swordfish."

A long red swordfish then appeared in the pool, swimming, then getting close to his duelist, facing the Spinosaurus.
(Level 5. 1800 ATK)

"Then, I Normal Summon Missile Trout"
(Level 1. 400 ATK)

"And I use its effect, to destroy the Set card on your left!"

The Set card then appeared and vanished with a sound, as if someone broke a mirror.

"Negate Attack, huh? That's a shame. It could have been useful." said Karim with a grin on his face.

"What are you trying to accomplish?" responded Yuji, "None of your monsters have enough ATK to destroy my Spinosaurus, and you've already used your Normal Summon!"

"That's where you're wrong! When my Captivity Aquarium is on the field, I can Normal Summon two Fish-Type monsters per turn."

Yuji glared at Karim with anticipation.

"Also, I should mention that this guy normally needs three Fish-Type monsters for its Tribute Summon, but my Domesticated Swordfish can count as two Tributes. I Tribute my Missile Trout and my Domesticated Swordfish treated as two monsters and Tribute Summon!
Legendary whale that none could hunt, deploy your white fins in this aquarium of mine! Appear! Legendary White Whale Koby Mick!"

Both of Karim's monsters vanished as he was calling his monster. Suddenly, a huge splash came out of nowhere that sprayed the field with water. Gus, who was used to it, took out an umbrella and dodged it, but Yuji and anyone else watching the duel got it by the wave. When the water calmed, they saw a whale, even bigger than a normal whale, but entirely white and with a large fin sticking out from behind.
(Level 10. 3600 ATK)

"Just so you know, the only way you can get rid of it is if you destroy it by battle. Koby Mick! Attack!"

The whale quickly got out of the water, flying towards the dinosaur. At this moment, Yuji stayed calm until the last moment when he shouted:
"I activate my Quick-Play Spell Card, Shrink! Reducing your monster's size and ATK by half!"
(Koby Mick's ATK: 3600 - 1800)

The whale shrank in size, only to be devoured by the Spinosaurus voraciously.
(Karim's LP: 8000 - 7900)

"Your legendary whale is only prey for my Spinosaurus! Also, since it destroyed a monster by battle, I draw a card."

"Not bad." Karim replied, "However, when Koby Mick is destroyed, I can activate its effect. I banish my Domesticated Swordfish, and Koby Mick comes back in Defense!"

There was another splash, exactly like before, except this time, Koby Mick had its fin covering its face, like a shield.
(Koby Mick: 3200 DEF)

"Then, you take damage equal to half the ATK of the monster I banished, which means 900!"

Koby Mick then slapped its fin on the water, producing a small wave, hitting Yuji.
(Yuji's LP: 8000 - 7100)

"I end my turn with this. You're pretty good, managing to take my whale's attack. But in the end, I inflicted more damage, and my monster is stronger. I have the advantage there."

"We'll see how that goes!" replied Yuji.

"He's right." thought Gus, "Even though Karim has the most powerful monster, it's Yuji that is dominant here. Those two are really back-to-back, I'm glad I managed to organize a duel between them. I can't wait to see Yuji's power play!"

"It's my turn! I draw! I activate my Spell Card, Protective Instincts! This card destroys my Spinosaurus, then two Normal Monsters take its place. I summon two Light-Bulbodons from my Deck!"

The Spinosaurus then vanished, with the same sound of destruction that was heard before. In its place, two small dinosaurs appeared. They had the form of a Light bulb, and their back even produced a small light.
(Level 2. 1800 DEF)

"Going for the defensive? I guess my Koby Mick is really that scary."

"That's where you're wrong! Behold! This is my Power Play! I Tribute the two Dinosaur-Type Normal Monsters and Tribute Summon!
Most feared best of the Cretaceous, transcend evolution itself and stand on your powerful legs! Destroy everything! Destructor Bipedal Ceratosaurus!"

Gus had stars in his eyes. What was in front of him was a giant dinosaur, more ferocious than a Tyrannosaurus, and much taller too! It seemed to have evolved and its body was very human-like, but with powerful claws and sharp teeth that looked ready to destroy anything that was in its way. It looked even bigger than Koby Mick, and ready to destroy it.
(Level 9. 3400 ATK)

"I activate its effect! Making it gain 1000 ATK for each Defense Position monster on the field."
(Ceratosaurus' ATK: 3400 - 4400)

"Then I activate my Continuous Spell Card, Hunter's Carnage!" When activated, this card lets me add my Lightning Spinosaurus back to my hand. And now, all my Dinosaurs inflict piercing battle damage!"

"Oh no!" Karim exclaimed, slightly afraid.

"Go my Ceratosaurus! Attack and destroy his giant whale!"

The dinosaur ran with its powerful feet, approaching the defenseless whale, and started to bite it. Soon, the whale was devoured in an explosion that even blew Karim back.
(Karim's LP: 7900 - 6700)

"I activate Koby Mick's effect again!" Karim reacted quickly, "Banishing Missile Trout and Special Summoning my whale again, then, you take damage!"

The whale reappeared exactly like before, and inflicted its damage again.
(Yuji's LP: 7100 - 6900)

"I set a card, and it's your move! So, who's the predator now?"

"I gotta admit", replied Karim, still smiling, "you took me by surprise with this move. And it was pretty good. But I'm not done yet! I draw!"

Karim looked at his draw, thinking how to play. "With this card, I can bring back Koby Mick again and again, and power it up continuously. I sure hope he doesn't break this combo."

"Your monster sure is powerful." he said, "But it's still not enough! I switch Koby Mick to Attack Position, then, I activate the effect of my Captivity Aquarium! By discarding a Fish, Koby Mick gains ATK equal to half its ATK. I discard the Captivity Narwhal!"
(Koby Mick's ATK: 3600 - 4800)

"Go, Koby Mick! Destroy his Ceratosaurus like it destroyed you!"

"I chain my Continuous Trap Card, Primitive Substitute! Now, once per turn, whenever a Dinosaur-Type monster I control would be destroyed, I can destroy another Dinosaur on my field or in my hand instead!"

Koby Mick flew towards the Ceratosaurus with extreme speed. It bit the powerful dinosaur with all its might, but at the last moment, the Lightning Spinosaurus appeared between the gigantic beasts and was destroyed, as if it was nothing.
(Yuji's LP: 6900 - 6500)

"So you managed to escape destruction, that's pretty good.", Karim commented, annoyed.

"Predators don't become prey that easily. And your whale is just a never-ending meal."

"All right, we'll see who wins in the end! I set a card, and end my turn. At this point, Koby Mick's ATK returns to normal."
(Koby Mick's ATK: 4800 - 3600)

"Then it's my turn! I draw!" Yuji then looked at his draw, he too was thinking about his play. "Transportodon now? That's not good. At least I can use it as protection for my Ceratosaurus, but I can't just Set it and power it up too."

"Is the predator thinking?" Karim taunted, "Do I put such a pressure on you?"

"My Ceratosaurus attacks!"

Yuji was a bit worried that the Set card was a Trap, even though his dinosaur couldn't be targeted by card effects. But Karim, instead, let his whale be destroyed.
(Karim's LP: 6700 - 5900)

"Koby Mick's effect activates again! Banishing Captivity Narwhal, coming back, and inflicting damage!"
(Yuji's LP: 6500 - 5300)

"In Main Phase 2, I activate the effect of my Ceratosaurus. Increasing its ATK by 1000 more! Then I end my turn."
(Ceratosaurus' ATK: 4400 - 5400)

"At this point, I activate my Continuous Trap Card! Ring of the Sea Monster's Show! This card lets me add a banished Fish to my hand, by discarding a card. I discard my Unshaven Angler, and add back the Domesticated Narwhal."

"Wow!" Gus shouted. He then commented the duel again in his head. "Karim's even got his most powerful loop to increase Koby Mick's power continuously, but Yuji's Ceratosaurus is also very powerful now. The only way I can see Karim winning now is if he draws his other boss monster. But I'm pretty sure that's what Karim has been planning."

"It's my turn! I draw!" Karim then looked at his card and suddenly burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha! You're finished! I just drew my ultimate combo piece!"

Everyone was in shock. Gus even let out a small "Don't tell me… It happened!" Yuji looked unsure about the sudden laughter, despite his attempts at hiding it.

"But first, I'll discard my Captivity Narwhal again to increase Koby Mick's ATK."
(Koby Mick's ATK: 3600 - 4800)

"Then, I summon my Flight Shrimp!"

A small green shrimp appeared on the field. It had wings and flew over the water, but it was nothing intimidating compared to what has been summoned on the field before.
(Level 3. 1000 ATK)

"Then I activate its effect. This lets me add one level seven or higher Fish-Type monster from my Deck. I add the Powering Giant Whale Donstro! But I'll discard it immediately for my Ring, and get back Domesticated Swordfish! Then I activate Donstro's effect in the graveyard, banishing the Captivity Narwhal and the Unshaven Angler I discarded earlier, to add back Donstro to my hand! And now, I Special Summon Domesticated Swordfish. And don't forget my second Normal Summon! I Tribute Flight Shrimp and Domesticated Swordfish! Show yourself! Powering Giant Whale Donstro!"

Even though the whale was giant, as big as Koby Mick, its entrance was less spectacular, a huge shadow was seen on the water, and then Donstro took off, standing next to Koby Mick.
(Level 8. 1400 ATK)

"1400 ATK?" Yuji wondered, "That's it?"

"Don't let your guard down, Yuji!" Gus shouted from the sidelines, "This is one of your greatest challenge ever!"

"Hey! On which side are you?" exclaimed Karim.

"None in particular. It's just, that Koby Mick and Donstro combination, it's never seen before! If Yuji can defeat it, then that means he is the best duelist I ever met, and you don't even have the quarter of his talent!"

"Gus…" Yuji said quietly, smiling.

"Well I don't think so! When Donstro is on the field, all Fish-Type monsters gain 1500 ATK!"
(Donstro's ATK: 1400 - 2900)
(Koby Mick's ATK: 4800 - 6300)

"Go, Koby Mick! Attack and destroy this puny Dinosaur!"

"You won't destroy it! You're forgetting my Primitive Substitute! I destroy the Transportodon in my hand instead!"

Once again, as Koby Mick was about to destroy Yuji's Ceratosaurus, a Dinosaur appeared from nowhere and is destroyed in its place. This time, it was a pretty big dinosaur with a flat back that intercepted the blow.
(Yuji's LP: 5300 - 4400)

"But there's more to it! A monster Tribute Summoned using Flight Shrimp can attack directly during the turn it is summoned! Go, Donstro! Attack that past star directly!"

The huge whale suddenly flew towards the Ceratosaurus, only to pass right next to it, charging straight to Yuji. The impact made him slide on the ground from the force, but he still manages to hold it out.
(Yuji's LP: 4400 - 1500)

"Well I guess you still have a turn. But it's pretty much hopeless at this point. You have no cards in your hand. Your Dinosaur can't power up enough so that you'll win. And if you ever try to destroy Donstro, I can just banish the Swordfish in my grave to prevent that. I end my turn now. At this point, Koby Mick's attack boost from the Aquarium disappears."
(Koby Mick's ATK: 6300 - 5100)

"Go on! Show me what you can do!"

"Well, I pretty much need an army of dinosaurs now. I have to, else, we may never discover what's inside that cave.", Yuji thought, "This is the most important draw of my life…"

"I draw!"

Yuji looked at his card. Everyone was tense, trying to catch Yuji's reaction to this destiny draw. After thinking for a bit, Yuji smiled. It was already clear in Gus' head: Yuji drew a card that saved the Duel.

"I activate the Spell Card: Prehistoric Gathering! I pay 1000 Life Points."
(Yuji's LP: 1500 - 500)

"And now I summon all the Dinosaurs in my graveyard in Defense Position!"

"What?" Karim shouted in surprise as the four dinosaurs appeared on the field, around the Ceratosaurus. It looked more like a castle wall from his point of view, but he knew that thing had really sharp teeth.

"I activate the effect of my Ceratosaurus! Gaining 1000 ATK for each Defense Position monster on the field. And there are four now!"
(Ceratosaurus' ATK: 5400 - 9400)

"Wow, that's a lot! If he attacks Dontro, even if it isn't destroyed, I'll take 6500 damage, I can't take that!"

"Exactly! Now, Destructor Bipedal Ceratosaurus! Attack Donstro, and wipe away the rest of his Life Points! Evolution's Final Crush!"

The Ceratosaurus started running towards the giant whale, the ground shaking with every step. There was nothing it could do, even if it tried to use its fin as a shield. The claws and teeth of the Dinosaur were just too powerful. His bite produced a big explosion, which hit Karim at full power!
(Karim's LP: 5900 - 0)

Both whales disappeared from the field with a destruction effect, then the pool and all dinosaurs vanished, returning the surroundings to the plain rocky canyon it was. Yuji's Duel Disk showed the word "WIN" written in yellow before turning off. Karim's did the same, except it wrote a red "LOSE". Karim, Gus and Yuji then regrouped.

"Wow, you sure got me!" said Karim, "It hurts, but I have to admit you're really better than me."

"You're really good too. I've never felt so tense during a duel! I think you have a great future in the pro duelist circuit."

"Thanks man. I'll go train to one day get to your level. Do you come with me, boss?"
Gus shook his head. "I promised to help Yuji with his excavations, I'll stay here."

"Are you sure?" Yuji asked, "You really don't have to."

"I've taken my decision."

"Okay", said Karim while leaving, "I'll find another manager. Don't worry, I'll be fine. After all, I am the Great Karim, everyone wants to work with me!"

"So." Gus said, "Do you have anywhere I could live?"

"You can sleep in my cabin, I have a free room there. So it'll be just like old times."

Yuji smiled, and Gus smiled back and repeated: "It'll be just like old times… Besides, I can make lots of money by selling whatever's in this cave."

"You're not selling my discoveries, you greedy!"

They then left to get some rest while laughing, being happy to reunite after these years.