The sun's rays were falling upon the deserted grounds of the Fire civilization's realm, making them even dryer than they already were. Only a few smokes coming from the burning craters were covering the majestic star a bit from its heating process. There, at the highest peaks of this land, a creature was courageously making its way by jumping from volcano to volcano. That was none other than Genji, the mighty warrior of the Double Cross, a once proud clan consisting of Armored Dragon and Flame Command creatures that bonded to resist against the tyrannical expansion of the Zeta. In its protective arms resided the still surprised Rad and Subaru who could do nothing but scream both out of awe of the great scenery, as well as from the fear of being so high up and above active volcanoes.
For a moment the red skinned Dragon landed on one of the craters and looked down upon the minuscule beings that it was protecting, the wind blowing against him and making his golden mane flow in the air.
"Are you alright?" Genji asked.
"Wha… what the hell is going on here?!" Rad shouted back, demanding for an explanation.
"Our former leader has called upon you, Rad-sama. He needs to discuss something urgent. However I didn't expect I would be carrying extra-weight." the Dragon shot the black haired duelist a mean look.
"Hehe, hi?" Subaru sweated and waved his hand.
"It's alright, he's with me." the red haired assured his creature.
"Even so, I do not think that Bolmeteus Sapphire Dragon would like to see Dorballom's duelist." Genji reminded them.
"We'll just have to see how it turns out." Rad shrugged. "Now lead the way!"
"Wait, I'm not rea…"
Before Subaru could finish his sentence, Genji Double Cross resumed the jumping, heading straight towards the center of the volcano chains. On their way they admired the sights of the war fortresses inhabited by the warrior Humans and their Armorloids. In some volcano craters they even saw Fire Bird nests in which baby Dragons were being raised by said birds, usually Lupias. For the moment it seemed that the Fire civilization was at peace, which was good news for once.
"So what have you been up to lately?" Rad asked the Dragon in an attempt to strike a conversation.
"Nothing interesting, there are no wars going on so we are just resting currently and sometimes training." Genji Double Cross replied, his eyes still set on the center of the volcanic chain where his destination lied.
"This place looks… uh… nice?" Subaru added.
"Nicer and more welcoming than that swamp you call the Darkness realm." the Dragon replied in a criticizing manner, making the darkness duelist sweat even more.
"So, um, Genji…"
"Yes, Rad-sama?"
"Why exactly did you bring us here? What is it that the Sapphire Dragon wants from us?"
"Heh, you'll see when we get there." Genji Double Cross betrayed a small smile which did not get the two duelists out of their confusion.
The capital of the Fire civilization was an industrial fortress loaded with lots of weaponry located in the center of the volcanic chain, surrounded by the erupting mountains. A Bolshack Dragon was guarding it from the air, a MagmadragonOgristVhal was lying at the crater of a volcano doing the same, a Rothus, the Traveler was doing ground supervision and a Nomad Hero Gigio was sitting atop a tower from where he could see what was approaching from far away.
Genji Double Cross jumped off the closest volcano and landed in front of the main gate.
"Halt!" Gigio shouted from the mountain.
"It is I, Nomad Hero!" the Dragon did not hesitate to show himself.
"That I see, warrior of the Double Cross, but who have you brought with you?" the small Machine Eater took a better look.
"Take a look for yourself." Genji revealed both boys.
Upon seeing them, Nomad Hero Gigio immediately jumped from his place of duty and fell on his knees in front of the Dragon in a worship position, declaring:
"Forgive me for my insolence, Rad Flames, the chosen fire duelist. I did not know it was you!"
"Nice to meet you too?" a confused Rad replied.
"Where are my manners? You probably have wasted too much time with me already!" Gigio spoke in a nutshell and he quickly got up and pulled a lever that opened the gates to the mighty fortress. "You may proceed, and once again, I apologize for this inconvenience!"
Genji Double Cross made large and quick steps as he walked inside the fortress, the two humans in his arms discussing the little encounter with the guarding Machine Eater.
"You must be pretty popular in this place, no?" Subaru suggested.
"I am?" Rad asked, but then his attitude changed immediately. "Of course I am! The world's fastest racer and coolest duelist, Rad Flames, is known not only in his civilization, but probably in all others as well!"
"Now that's the Rad I knew." the black haired boy laughed. "Not some vengeful samurai."
"Heh, those days are over. And if you ever see me do something like that again, be sure to punch me hard in the gut." the red haired replied. "I'm counting on you, egghead!"
On their way the two humans admired the imposing metallic buildings of the capital which hosted weapon factories, training facilities, occasional bars and resting shelters for the proud warriors. While walking down the street, Genji Double Cross was saluted by Tornado Shiva Double Cross and he also shook hands with Gaial Kaiser. Also the boys saw a Bolshack NEX and a Master Lupia give him rather angered looks, thing which the Dragon noticed but ignored. It was obvious that he was not up for fights in that moment.
"We are here." Genji Double Cross announced as he stopped in front of a large factory that had a gear, the symbol of the Fire civilization, upon its roof. "This is the place where his body resides."
"You mean…" Rad barely spoke, only to be silenced by a nod from the Dragon.
The factory's doors opened and a Bolmeteus Steel Dragon walked out of it on its four legs. The blue robotic Dragon stared at the two humans for a few moments and then he said:
"He waits inside."
"I understand." Genji Double Cross replied and walked with the humans past the other Dragon.
"Wow, that's one charming fellow…" Subaru affirmed with irony dripping down his voice.
"He must have one big heart of steel; after all, he is the Steel Dragon." Rad joked.
"I suggest you keep being serious. We are almost there." Genji Double Cross interrupted their laughter in a rather harsh tone.
"Alright." Subaru resigned.
"Whatever." Rad shrugged.
The Dragon walked down a long hallway that was dimly lit. There were hardly any rooms to be found, and the few that were had been locked. Then they entered a metallic elevator which began to descend to the basement. Once its doors opened, Rad and Subaru were greeted by a surprising view, that of a metallic red Dragon with two large cannons on its shoulders lying in slumber on a giant pillow, its body being surrounded by a pale blue aura.
"Amazing!" Subaru exclaimed.
"Is that…" Rad barely uttered due to his awe.
"Come forth, my chosen duelist!" a voice came from the slumbering Dragon.
Genji Double Cross leaned to the ground and let go of the two humans, both of them finding the courage to walk up to the majestic blue creature in front of them.
"Bolmeteus… Sapphire Dragon?"
"Yes, Rad, you are correct. Please, come closer." the invitation came and the fire duelist made a few more steps, ending up in front of the sleeping leaned head of the Dragon. "I have been looking forward to this meeting for a really long time, my boy."
"It's an honor to see you too. It's been a really long time." the racer recalled.
"Almost two years since I had been replaced in your deck by Bolshack Cross NEX."
"So it true then? He is the new leader of our civilization?"
"Was, to be more exact... Ever since the Hall of Fame had put me in slumber, I had signed him up to take my place. But unfortunately, fighting was more important to him than the leading of civilizations, so not soon after the war between the Hunters and the Aliens occurred, he simply left the throne and joined the Alien side. When he came back, he did not care anymore and the Fire civilization had been leaderless ever since."
"Now that's some bad news."
"Not exactly, my boy. You see, Fire creatures do not really need a leader. Their souls are strong enough to lead themselves into battle. What they do need is an organizer, and this is what few of us had been capable of doing."
"I see. So why did you call me here?"
"Ever since I chose you, I had been keeping my eyes on you and everything you did. You lived up to your title during these three years, but you needed more time to prove that you actually captured the essence of our civilization. In this past month, however, you have matured a lot."
In the next moment a small mirror appeared out of nowhere and in it they all saw the samurai and Subaru making their way through the desert, into Sandopolis, through the haunted pyramid, in the volcano who at first was active, then was frozen, all culminating with the two battles against Tabitha.
"You set your goals and you did not stray away from them. You fought for justice until you prevailed. You managed to conquer your demons and fight with honor in the very end. You discovered the power of speed and built an impressive beatdown deck. But most of all, you learned the importance of loyalty as proven by the many times you were there to help your friend Subaru in order to thank him for believing in you." Bolmeteus analyzed.
"Yes, Sapphire Dragon, on that day I swore I would be loyal to Subaru Geki until the day I die for having helped me come back to normal." Rad affirmed with a firm voice and put his right fist over his chest.
"And with this you have passed the final test. You have met all of the requirements necessary for a true warrior of Fire: a spirit of justice, speed and loyalty. Thus I deem you worthy of owning the Book of Fire!"
"The what now?"
Suddenly a large book with a dusty golden cover that had a red gear on it descended from Bolmeteus Sapphire Dragon's mouth into Rad's hands. On the cover it had 'The Book of Fire' written.
"Inside this you will find the entirety of the Fire civilization's knowledge. Use it well, Rad. The chosen duelists may be no more, but from now on you are my own chosen duelist. Now go back to your world and make our civilization proud!" came the final orders of the Sapphire Dragon before it returned to its slumber.
"I won't let you down!" Rad replied with a grateful voice.
Foreword (Page 1)
This is the book of the Fire civilization in which all of its knowledge is contained. Reading it, you will learn how to use this civilization at its best potential in any sort of deck, as well as learn about its history and its creatures.
Introduction(Page 2, which contains a large image of the Fire civilization's symbol)
The Fire Civilization is a monocolored civilization that is distinguished by a red color frame and is represented by the symbol of a gear.
History (Page 3)
This section deals with the history of the Fire civilization which is being split into many periods. Here is the index of how it is organized:
Chapter 1: An overview of the Fire civilization
Chapter 2: The beginnings of the Fire civilization
Chapter 3: The wars against Water, the alliance with Darkness and the Megapocalypse
Chapter 4: The defeat of the Survivors, the wars against Light and the awakening of the Ancient Dragons
Chapter 5: The Shattered Rainbow and the new alliances
Chapter 6: The Cross Gear wars
Chapter 7: The Dreammates, the Tyranno Drakes and the battles against the Phoenixes
Chapter 8: The Rise of the Gods
Chapter 9: The Sengoku Battles
Chapter 10: The NEX clan and the return of the Gods
Chapter 11: The Double Cross clan and the expansion of the Zeta
Chapter 12: The Alien invasion and the Hunter resistance
Chapter 13: The Zenith invasion and the present day
Chapter 1: An overview of the Fire civilization (Page 4)
The dry, hot climate of the Fire civilization stretches over a series of islands covered in volcanic ash and solidified magma. Constant earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other seismic activities make for an unstable habitat. Very little vegetation survives.
The history of this land is a history of war between Dragonoids and Humans. Once a thriving civilization, Fire creatures enjoyed the benefits of advanced technology, focused in part on weapon development. During the Ancient War, a powerful weapon using magma was introduced that caused a major shift in the planet's crust. As a result, the small continent lost most of its surface to the sea, most of the mountains threatened to become active volcanoes, and the Fire civilization suffered significant setbacks, all the while experiencing increasingly vigorous volcanic activities. Although some artifacts from the Ancient War were preserved in the ruins, inhabitants are now in constant search of their long-lost technology.
In the Fire civilization, volcanoes are the symbol of power. Dragonoids have learned how to force an eruption and utilize it as a weapon. Although it requires several months for preparation, and targeting is haphazard, this "volcano weapon" is overwhelmingly destructive.
Meanwhile, Fire creatures have turned to mining to facilitate a lifestyle that revolves around the use of iron, gunpowder, magma, and steam. Once a mountain has been mined and hollowed, they transform it into a habitable fortress reinforced with metal. They build steam engines for transportation and mining, and use the resulting clouds of smoke and steam to shield them from their enemies.
Aggressive, yet simple-minded, Fire creatures are extremely confident and self-assured. They seek nothing short of complete victory over their enemies, and show no mercy. The thought of coexisting does not occur to them only annihilation and eradication. Even when losing, Fire creatures refuse to surrender. They fight to the death proudly, knowing retreat can bring only shame and dishonor.
Fire creatures enjoy a good spectacle and love to show off. On the battlefield, they tend to overdress and over arm, to the point where the creature inside is no longer recognizable.
Interactions with the other civilizations:
The Fire Civilization is allied with the Darkness and Nature civilizations.
The Fire Civilization is enemies with the Light and Water civilizations.
Races:
Armored Dragon
Armored Wyvern
Armorloid
Big Muscle
Children
Curry Bread
Dragonoid
Dune Gecko
Feathernoid
Fire Bird
Flame Command
Flame Monster
Human
King Command Dragon
Machine Eater
Melt Warrior
Red Command Dragon
Rock Beast
Special Climax
Volcano Dragon
Xenoparts
Shared Races:
Alien (All civilizations share this race)
Brave Spirit (Shared with Darkness)
Dynamo (Shared with Light, Water and Nature)
Dreammate (Shared with Nature)
Egg (Shared with Darkness and Nature)
God (All civilizations share this race)
Hunter (All civilizations share this race)
Knight (All civilizations share this race)
Lost Crusader (All civilizations share this race)
Lunatic Emperor (All civilizations share this race)
Origin (All civilizations)
Phoenix (All civilizations share this race)
Shinobi (All civilizations share this race)
Spirit Quartz (All civilizations share this race)
Survivor (All civilizations share this race)
Tristone (Shared with Darkness and Nature)
Tyranno Drake (Shared with Darkness)
Vehicle Bee (Shared with Nature)
Unknown (All civilizations share this race)
World Bird (All civilizations share this race)
World Command (All civilizations share this race)
World Dragon (All civilizations share this race)
For a more in-depth study upon the Fire civilization's races, turn to page 97.
Unique Abilities:
Dragon support
Speed Attacker
Power attacker (shared with nature)
Attacking untapped creatures
Attacking if able
Power-limited creature destruction
Blocker destruction
Mana destruction
Putting shields into the graveyard
Untapping after winning battles
Creatures can't be attacked (shared with water)
Breaking additional shields
Taking extra turns
Searching for Cross Gears
Reduction of costs for Cross Gears
Gameplay(Page 51)
This section deals with the impact upon the meta of the Fire cards and how they should be used.
The Fire Civilization focuses on low level creatures as swift attacks or strong dragons.
Of all the civilizations, Fire is in most need of its niche cards, since Fire can't stand on its own. Sadly.
Chapter 1: Attackers (Page 51)
Fire is the civilization most suited to beatdown. However, what cards should you use?
GENJI Double Cross, Blastdragon is just plain efficient. (Featured decks: Hyperspatial Genji beatdown, Mad Romanov beatdown, Lambda Beat, Miranda Gift, Gift beatdown)
Hyperspatial Shooting Hole into Gaial Kaiser is even more efficient. (Featured decks: same as above)
Note: Both of said Dragons are highly used in quick assault decks which tend to finish the game quickly. Due to their blocker destroying effects and their speed, they have both become forces to be reckoned with amongst Fire beatdowns, as well as leading to the rise of untouchable Light blockers that were made in order to counter them.
Chapter 2: Card Advantage (Page 52)
Since Fire doesn't get much draw, it relies on these two cards to sustain itself. These cards are more for beatdown decks.
Hachiko, Jin's Faithful Dog: Works both as anti-discard and a way to gain card advantage while helping you spam the battle zone with multiple copies of said creature. (Featured decks: Lambda Beat)
Kodamanma, Gil Gil Puppet: Who cares if you use a shield? It is damn card advantage, and you will like it. Against rush decks, be careful when trying to use this card. Against higher-manabeatdown decks and control decks, you should be faster, so by the time the lost shield matters, you've already lost. (Featured decks: Mono-Fire rush, Darkness/Fire rush, Mad Romanov beatdown, Gift beatdown)
Chapter 3: Removal (Page 53)
For typical anti-rush cards, there are these:
Blazing Tiger, Crimson Lord is the standard anti-rush card. (Featured decks: N EX, Lambda Beat, Mono-Fire rush ~rarely~)
Super Flaming Hell's Scrapper is a bit clunky and slow, but usable. (Featured decks: N EX, Lambda Beat)
However, you never want to rely on shield triggers. You want to minimize your dependence on luck.
Hyperspatial Bolshack Hole is pretty much what you want. Although it costs 5, you can kill one creature with it, then bring out Victorious Gaial Kaiser and kill another creature with it. Result: A three-for-one. You got one creature and killed two creatures for the price of one card. (Featured decks: almost all hyperspatial decks that run Fire)
Hyperspatial Samurai Hole is good too, although it's a bit less flexible than Bolshack Hole. (Featured decks: same as above)
GILL Supergalactic Dragon is good, but it's really only for huge creature ramp decks or slow control decks. (Featured decks: Miramisu, N EX, Shield burn control)
Chapter 4: Mana burn (Page 54)
Drill Squall works as early mana burn, but it's good only if you can reuse it. (Featured decks: Giovanni the 10th, Thunder Mecha King)
Simian Warrior Grash has high synergy in an Armorloid tribal deck. (Featured decks: Armorloid mana burn)
Uberdragon Bajula used to be a classic mana burning finisher until it got restricted to 1. Since then there were attempts of bringing forth similar finishers such as Uberdragon Bajula the 2nd or Uberdragon Bajulaterra, but besides Dragon-centered decks or Drama decks, they were less used.
Chapter 5: Dragons (Page 55)
These are good cards for a Dragon-based strategy. Note that Dragons just plain do not work in mono-Fire (no deck type works in mono-Fire). Go Fire/Nature, at the very least.
Bolshack NEX is the nucleus. It produces tons of card advantage. You can use it with Hustle Castle to draw cards, or you can fetch Mach Lupia to either finish your opponent with swarms of dragons or to turn Bolshack NEX into continuous card advantage.
Cerulean Dagger Dragon helps you draw a lot of cards once you've spammed your field with Dragons.
CoccoLupia is standard. Just don't use it by itself, as it's easily killed. Use it with mana acceleration.
Mach Lupia grants your Armored Dragons speed attackers and helps you respam your Bolshack NEX on the next turn.
Shadow Sword "Yagyuu" Dragon allows you to reuse mana, though these days Bolbalzak Ex is more suited.
Valkerios Dragon gives you a free body if you have another Dragon.
Valkyrie Lupia, Sky Lord Dragonmech: You don't need to run Light. You just need to run Bolshack NEX.
Velyrika Dragon works like Hachiko in Dragon decks, with the exception of it not being anti-discard.
Chapter 6: Finishers (Page 56)
Bolmeteus Steel Dragonand creatures like it both get rid of shield triggers and rid the opponent of card advantage. (Featured decks: Shield burn control)
Uberdragon Bajula burns the opponent's mana and heavily damages him. Unfortunately he's restricted nowadays. (Featured decks: Mana burn control)
Eternal Ryusei Kaiser works both as anti-discard and screws with the opponent's field while massively aiding yours. (Featured decks: Lambda Beat ~rarely~, N EX, Miramisu, Kaiser "Demon Fang")
Onimaru "Head", Victory Rushin certain decks it can win the game all by itself. (Featured decks: Miramisu, Kaiser "Demon Fang")
Chapter 7: Interesting other cards (Page 57)
Cards that either fall outside the bounds of what this civilization does, or have unique effects.
Disturbing Chuusa is really useful, despite being squishy. With spells being as big and important as they are, this little mouse really helps. (Featured decks: Light/Fire rush)
Dual Shock Dragon can easily be played for cheap with either of the Kodamanmas (Kodamanma, All-Devouring Puppet and Kodamanma, Gil Gil Puppet). You could get it out with Lyla Litta or Lyla Aini too, I suppose, but I wouldn't rely on them. Either your opponent will be long dead before the shield burn matters, or you're playing a rush deck where all the creatures die to Dual Shock Dragon's 8000 power. (Featured decks: Mono-Fire rush)
Fire Crystal Bomb is mana recovery. In Fire.
Jet Drill, Advanced Soldier shuts out mana acceleration, which appears in nearly every deck you will come across. (Featured decks: Mono-Fire rush, Gift beatdown)
Magnum, Fast Attack Puppet screws over The Door of Miracle and Mystery/Hogan Blaster/Mystery Cube-based strategies, as well as psychic creatures. (Featured decks: Mono-Fire rush, Gift beatdown, Lambda Beat, Water/Fire rush, Light/Fire rush)
Rothus, the Traveler / Sky Soldier Wingraios is early strong removal and the fact that they have the Armorloid race offers great synergy with Simian Warrior Grash. (Featured decks: Armorloid mana burn)
Smash Warrior Stagrandu takes care of the opponent's early fatties. (Featured decks: Same as above)
Violent Children works as an early Eternal Ryusei Kaiser against rushes. (Featured decks: Light/Fire rush, Water/Fire rush, Gift beatdown)
Chapter 8: Decks in which Fire cards are most used or required (Page 58)
This is an index to the decks that will further be expanded upon in the following pages.
-Rush (Mono-Fire, Water/Fire, Light/Fire, Darkness/Fire, Fire/Nature)
-Beatdowns (Bombazar beatdowns ~banned~)
-Hyperspatial beatdowns (Hyperspatial Genji beatdown, Mad Romanov beatdown ~banned~, Lambda Beat, Miranda Gift, Gift beatdown)
-Mana ramp beatdowns (Bolmeteus Sapphire ramps ~banned~, N EX, Kaiser "Demon Fang")
-Combo decks (Eggplant Sapphire ~banned~, Heavy Death Metal, Romanesk Reanimation, Chirico Dragon ~banned~, Romanov Sign, Romanov Reborn, Miramisu, Galaxy Falcon archetype, Crimson Sorge ~banned~)
-Control decks (Shield burn control, Mana burn control)
-Tribal decks (Bolshack NEX/Lupia spam, Drama, Mono-Fire Valborg rush, Darkness/Fire Human beatdown, Armorloid mana burn)
"Rad, hey Rad, are you listening?" Subaru shook his shoulder until the red haired boy finally got his nose out of the book.
"What is it now? Can't you see I'm busy here?" Rad replied, angered by the interruption.
"You've been reading that book ever since we left Bolmeteus Sapphire Dragon. Don't you think that others might be interested in its contents too?"
"Yeah right, as if an egghead like you could possibly understand the awesomeness of Fire."
"Well if you remember, I did use a Romanov Reborn deck back when we faced each other in Feudal Japan. It did make use of the Fire civilization to turn Zero Romanov into a speed attacker. So yes, I think this 'egghead' might be able to comprehend your own civilization."
"The time for chatting is over." Genji Double Cross suddenly spoke, the two humans that were lying in his hands turning their attention to him. "Now you two should go home."
They were sitting in the middle of an open field that was deserted of any forms of vegetation. If something were to attack them, they would have no place to hide. A portal appeared above them and they saw their city and its beach residing at the other side.
"Alright, time to go home!" Rad closed the book and put it in his jacket's pocket. "I guess we'll meet again in duels."
"Indeed we shall, Rad-sama." the samurai Dragon nodded.
"It was an honor, Genji." Subaru added, only to receive another mean glare.
"I do not think I can say the same, chosen duelist of Dorballom." Genji struck back with a distasteful tone. "However, you were the one that helped my master find his way, and for that I am grateful." the creature's tone then changed to one of thankfulness, much to Subaru's surprise. "Take care of him!"
"I will!" Subaru nodded back.
The red samurai Dragon with a golden mane raised both its hands towards the portal and let both Rad and Subaru be sucked into it, after which it closed. Then Genji Double Cross looked at the sky with a smile on his face, thinking:
"I am proud of you, Rad-sama."
The two duelists floated without control through the space tunnel, expecting to arrive home. But big was their surprise when instead they stopped midway and simply floated there for no reason. All of a sudden, Shubham appeared before them and along with him the images of Zabi Mira, the Reviving Shaman on his right, Gallows Devil Dragon, Dead Sea Dragon on his left and ZabiBallom, Eternal Lord of Demonic Reapers behind him.
"Shubham, what are you doing here?" a shocked Subaru asked.
"I'd ask you and your buddies the same thing." the boy with spiky black hair replied and pointed behind the darkness duelist.
"Buddies?"
Subaru looked around him and saw that at his right there was Liger Blade, Fierce Tiger, at his left Volg Tiger, Thunder Beast and behind him Dorballom, Lord of Demons.
"Woah, when did you summon those?!" a now shocked Rad asked.
"I don't know about me, but what about you?" Subaru struck back.
"Don't tell me…"
When Rad took a look, he also saw three creatures by his side, Genji Double Cross, Blastdragon at his right, Gaial King Dragon, Raging Dragon Lord at his left and Bolmeteus Sapphire Dragon behind him.
"Just what the hell's going on here?" a frustrated Rad brought forth yet another question.
Finally, a man with long black hair and red eyes, who was wearing a red T-shirt, a pair of black pants and a black leather jacket appeared between Subaru and Shubham, all three young duelists immediately recognizing him.
"Kokujo-sama!" they all shouted in unison.
"Heh, I bet you all guess why I brought you here." Kokujo's spirit spoke and then he went to the robed duelist. "Shubham, my faithful student, you've went down the wrong path, you've made your mistakes, but you've also fought hard to make up for them, all while mastering the race of your choice, the Aliens. Congratulations upon defeating Zeta-File, may he be of good use to your future decks."
Afterwards Kokujo walked up to Subaru, who could barely hold his tears due to the fact that his idol was back once again.
"Subaru, my other faithful student, you've tried to make justice to our civilization as its chosen duelist, and after all these challenges you never once ceased from fighting for what you believe in. Truly you have the spirit of a noble Hunter… one that will now put aside his differences with the Aliens and unite as I had asked them to."
In the next moment Kokujo grabbed both Subaru's and Shubham's right hands and united them in a handshake, both their Aliens and Hunters shrieking victoriously, Dorballom and Rad's creatures simply watching.
"Friends, Shubham?" a smiling Subaru asked.
"Friends, Geki." Shubham betrayed a smile as well.
"Both of you have proved that you will carry on my legacy." Kokujo spoke with the voice of a proud parent. "And now there's also the other one…"
"I'm more of a Fire guy. I don't think there's anything you have to say about me." Rad shrugged as the spirit approached him.
"Bolmeteus Sapphire Dragon said pretty much what needed to be said about you. There's one thing I wanted to add to that, though." Kokujo suddenly put his ghostly hand on the racer's naked right shoulder, the touch feeling awfully solid for a spirit. "You've put an end to the evil of Tabitha, thus avenging my death, Shubham's family and many other victims of that witch. For that you've earned our eternal gratitude, Rad Flames."
"You're welcome?" the red haired boy blushed a bit but then his right hand was pulled and it landed upon the handshake of Subaru and Shubham.
"Work with them and make sure the world is safe. The future is yours!" Kokujo wished them and then the spirit disappeared along with the creatures, the trio resuming floating towards their home.
A week passed since those events. In this time our heroes had all ended up aboard a large spaceship that was known as the Ark. The ship was being inhabited by a nomad tribe known as the Namikaze. After Shubham's apparent death at the hands of the Monk, he was found on a beach by them and taken under their protection. Their princess and future leader, Shigure, a black eyed girl with long black hair and an angry temper that would put most males in their places, somehow developed feelings for him and the two began a relationship. When the Ark took off, he decided he would keep an eye on his former friends and thus he and Shigure picked up their robes and their identities of Raven and Black Widow in order to not be recognized by others. As for Mizu, Blaze and Trey, their identities were Rebecca, the daughter of the ship's doctor and a total video game freak, as well as Ryan and Brian, two twins who were highly loyal to their leader.
After Tabitha lost her powers, the curse that Luna put upon Tsugumi and Edo finally wore off and they woke up from their induced comas. Subaru and the Doctor were reunited with their friends and Rad also received a warm welcome back from his former colleagues, even if Edo's exaggerated hug almost broke his ribs and gave him yet another reason to punch him in the face. Upon being told her reasons, Subaru, Tsugumi and Edo all apologized to Luna for ignoring her and received her as their friend once again, the blonde girl promising her that she would constantly visit her at school to catch up. As for Tabitha, the Doctor's affection made the greatest wonder the former chosen duelists had ever seen – their longest lasting enemy had openly apologized to them for all of her misdeeds and swore that from that moment on she would be their guardian. Although with a few hidden doubts, they accepted her apology and her friendship, peace finally having been established between the two sides.
The UFO's engines had been shown to have received damages after all those battles fought, so the quartet decided to stay with Shubham and the Namikaze at the Ark for the time being until their home would get repaired. As for Leona, after catching up with Shubham she unfortunately grew tired of the place and the day came when she asked to be taken back to their city where she would resume her wandering in the metallic jungle. Taking advantage of the fact that the Ark landed in their home town, Tsugumi and Edo went out shopping, one for food so that she could share recipes with Shigure, the other for video games that he would enjoy with his new friend, Rebecca. Subaru also decided to pay Tamma a little visit and around 2 PM he knocked at the boy's house.
"Brother Subaru?" Tamma asked while opening the door. "What brings you here?"
"Tamma, I have a little surprise for you!" Subaru spoke with an excited grin on his face.
"What is it?"
In the next moment the black haired boy stepped aside and revealed the image of Rad who was dressed in his red racing suit with yellow flames and looking at the boy with a confident smirk.
"Hey there, Tamma, I've heard lots of stuff about you." the racer spoke.
The child's eyes grew as big as onions and his mouth took the size of a dinner plate. He could not believe it, the one to whom he looked up and was the reason why the Fire civilization was his main one was lying there in front of him, for the first time in his life. For a few moments Tamma lay stunned, but then his trembling finger pointed at Rad and he mumbled a few indiscernible older fire duelist knew what was the kid was going through, for he had the same reactions when he got signed autographs from his race star idols around the time he was his age.
"What's the matter, little guy? Glad to see me?" Rad asked while approaching him.
"It's actually you!" Tamma cried out and in the next moment he hugged the taller red haired duelist with his arms around his waist wrapped tight. "It's you, it's Rad Flames!"
"Hehe, I'm also glad to see you." Rad laughed and messed the young boy's hair.
Subaru witnessed the whole event with his arm crossed and a satisfied smile on his face.
"Rejoice, Rad, Tamma, this is your moment." he thought and then he looked at the opened door towards which he spoke. "Madam, can Tamma go out with his friends for a few hours? I promise he'll be home before sunset."
Luckily Tamma's mother gave the permission and the child was taken to the park where he received the most exciting duel he had ever seen until then. Subaru called the Doctor and the man with the bowtie agreed to help Rad test out his new deck. Subaru and Tamma both sat on the grass and witnessed the duel that was taking place.
"I believe this is the first time we duel, right?" the Doctor asked while deploying his shields.
"You're right." Rad shortly replied and set his shields up as well.
"Just what is this special deck that you speak of?" the brown haired man asked another question and charged mana with Codeking Mozart.
"Nothing much, a deck that I built with the help of the Book of Fire." the red haired boy answered and charged mana with Hyperspatial Shooting Hole.
"Oh? I suppose it will be something suiting to said civilization, no?" the Doctor hypothesized and charged mana with King Tsunami.
"That's for me to know and you to find out!" Rad smiled while charging mana with Hyperspatial Bolshack Hole. "I summon Kodamanma, Gil Gil Puppet!"
A red and white doll with a small umbrella on its head, large mouth filled with sharp teeth and a long green tongue, that had a smaller mouth on its stomach looking like the one on its face, and sharp nails on its hands and feet appeared by Rad's side and broke one of his shields, giving the card in his hand.
"When I put Kodamanma in the battle zone, I may return one of my shields to my hand." Rad said and then he discarded the card from his shields and tossed another card from his hand into the battle zone. "Strike Back – Nature, I discard Taiga, the Warrior Savage and summon Ochappi, Pure Hearted Faerie for free!"
A masked pink haired faerie dressed in white and with an orange dress appeared in the battle zone holding a small white staff.
"With Ochappi's effect I put Taiga from my graveyard into my mana zone. And now I end." Rad concluded.
"Wow… that was awesome!" Tamma exclaimed.
"Yes, he began the game on a good pace." Subaru added.
"Yeah, nice little trick you've got there. Let me show you my trick, I charge mana with Baban Ban Ban, Earth's Blessing and cast Hardcore Roulette! With its effect I put the top card of my deck into the mana zone and then we play Hardcore Judge!" the Doctor said and he watched how GILL, Supergalactic Dragon went into the mana zone, after which they played Hardcore Judge, he getting Savage Earth while Rad got Bronze-Arm Tribe, it was 8 VS 3 and that meant that he won and the spell went back into his hand.
"Pretty nice indeed, but let's see if your Miramisu can handle this!" Rad challenged and after charging mana with Father Earth all four cards in his mana zone tapped themselves. "I summon Magnum, Fast Attack Puppet!"
A puppet dressed in brown boots with red flames, blue jeans, a blue shirt covered by a brown vest, a cowboy hat with a red flame covering its eyes appeared in the battle zone wielding two guns.
"Magnum is a speed attacker, so I now attack with him, break his shield!" Rad ordered and the puppet shot bullets from its left gun, tearing down one of his opponent's shields.
"Shield trigger, I cast The Door of Miracle and Mystery!" the Doctor declared and then he revealed the top cards of his deck which were Hogan Blaster, Hardcore Roulette, Onimaru "Head", Victory Rush and Codeking Wilhelm.
"I pick Onimaru "Head"!" the racer decided.
"Is he crazy? That card will give the Doctor extra turns!" Tamma burst out.
"Not quite…" Subaru pointed at Onimaru "Head" which as soon as it materialized in the battle zone, it got shot by Magnum's right gun and blew up.
"But how?" an amazed Doctor uttered.
"Whenever we put creatures in the battle zone without paying their cost, Magnum destroys them. That means that your Door and Hogan Blaster are pretty useless now." Rad stuck his tongue out. "Anyway, Ochappi, break his shield! Kodamanma, break another shield!"
The two creatures heeded the order of their master and the Doctor was down to just two shields. However, the shield that Kodamanma broke was a shield trigger which he showed to his opponent while saying:
"Shield trigger, I cast Intense Vacuuming Twist!"
The Doctor looked at the top five cards of his deck and then he selected Eternal Ryusei Kaiser which he took in his hand, the Water spell's second effect returning Magnum back into Rad's hand.
"And now my turn, I cast Hogan Blaster!" the Doctor said and then he shuffled his deck and revealed the top card which was Ganveet Blaster. "Great, I cast Ganveet Blaster and destroy Ochappi as well as discard two cards from your hand!"
"Tsh…" Rad spat as he discarded Magnum, Fast Attack Puppet and Come On Pippi.
"Nice comeback from the Doctor!" Subaru exclaimed.
"But without Magnum, Rad is in danger of the Doctor's Hogan Blaster!" Tamma remarked.
"Don't worry, Tamma, I've always got an ace up my sleeve!" Rad assured him and drew his next card. "And that ace just came – I cast Faerie Gift! With its effect the cost of the next creature I summon is reduced by three mana!"
"And you have three untapped mana left and one card in your hand. What could you possibly summon?" the Doctor said.
"This beauty that has never left me down so far – I summon Genji Double Cross, Blastdragon!"
The proud red samurai Dragon with a golden mane and who was wielding two cross shaped swords appeared in the battle zone and gave a war cry.
"Genji Double Cross, break his final shields!" Rad ordered and his proud avatar jumped towards the Doctor and using both swords it slashed off the last two shields.
"Shield trigger, I cast Hogan Blaster!" the sweating Doctor exclaimed and his deck shuffled, revealing the dreaded top card. "I put Onimaru "Head", Victory Rush in the battle zone!"
"Good, but not enough to stop me! Kodamanma, Gil Gil Puppet, todomeda!" the racer ordered and the puppet hit the Doctor with its sharp nails, throwing him in the air.
"Wow, now that was quick!" Subaru commented with an impressed voice. "Quick enough to counter a strong deck like Miramisu."
"That was the coolest duel I've ever seen!" Tamma shouted and jumped in the air, cheering for his idol.
Later, after spending the day with Tamma, Rad and Subaru took him home, the little boy being so euphoric that at a point he pinched himself to be sure it was not a dream. Afterwards the two teens went in their separate ways, Subaru heading to the mall to help Tsugumi and Rad going back to the UFO from the Ark to see his rocket.
The garage was dark and cold, but the former chosen fire duelist still felt at home inside it. He took a look at his rocket that had the same colors as his clothes and he admired its beauty in the dim light that was coming from the corridor. His palms touched its cold steel and he once again felt the thriving excitement he had when he was out there, racing in the air to the finish line. Not wasting any more time, he got inside, sat on the cozy driver's seat that welcomed back its rightful owner, fastened his seatbelt, opened the garage's door and luckily Ryan also opened the Ark's doors for him to take off. It seemed as if the year that he had spent not driving did not affect him at all, for he remembered everything like a religious person remembered their prayers by heart. When he was assured that everything was ready, he pressed the ignition button and the rocket took off.
There he was, up in the sky, searing through the air at an increasing speed, the clouds being nothing more than poor attempts at obstacles for him. But it was up there that he felt truly free, for there he ruled and there were no rules he had to follow. The sky was all his and nobody could take that wonder away from him. He pressed the acceleration pedal and the rocket went faster and faster until it was barely discerned by the naked eye, the only thing that those on ground could see being a red line of flames in the otherwise blue celestial bolt.
"Oh yeah, baby, fastest thing alive!" Rad shouted happily as the rocket's speed approached its usual limit -17 000 mph.
Once he saw that he was far away from the continent, he hit the brakes and the vehicle slowed down a bit, he making a safe turn and heading back to the city. Now that the excitement he had for a year growing in him was satisfied, he drove slower and got his mind on everything that had happened over the past month ever since he returned. He had had to face many challenges and he went through tough times, yet he had no time to fully express his emotions, having held back his tears most of the time. And speaking of emotions, ever since they moved in the Ark, he could not forget about the moments he had shared with Subaru inside the volcano. His caring smile always appeared in his mind when he would close his eyes, the smell and feel of his fluffy hair were constantly taunting him and the very moments when their bodies touched were making him blush to no extent. He did not know what was going on, his heart was telling him that he wanted Subaru, but his mind was reminding him that they were only friends and that Subaru belonged to Tsugumi. But if that were so, why did he always feel a pang in his heart whenever the blonde girl was hugging and kissing the black haired boy he so desired?
Later that night, as Tsugumi and Shigure were working on preparing a dinner for the entire Ark, Subaru decided to leave the gaming room in which Edo and Rebecca were having the time of their life and go out for a walk down the ship's halls. On his way he encountered a dizzy Doctor who could barely stand on his feet.
"Are you alright, Doctor?" the black haired asked.
"Boy… just what kind of being is this Tabitha?" he cried out.
"The kind that is always full of surprises." Subaru alluded.
"Tell me about it." the Doctor laughed. "She wants us to go on a honeymoon in the following days. I just fear when I think about what location she might pick."
"A honeymoon? So you're not the only busy one, I see."
"What do you mean, Honda?"
"Leona left to check how Blane is doing at the tournament, Rebecca said she wants to take Edo to the biggest gaming shop in Tokyo, Tsugumi and Shigure want to go to Paris for some fashion shops and Rad is soon going back to his Grand Prix racing. It seems like we're all back to our usual routines. Oh, and for the billionth time, my name's Subaru!"
"I assume the routine stuff is a good thing. Oh yeah, that reminds me, how is your brother doing?"
"Blane? Just talked to him on the phone today, a friend of mine called Tiger had been badly injured at the tournament and is now in hospital. Blane hasn't left his side one bit and he swore he would make the one who wounded him pay. He told me not to be worried and that he has everything under control, but that never stopped me from worrying. Or maybe I'm thinking too much about things yet again…"
"Oh Doctor!" Tabitha's seductive voice resounded and her hand quickly grabbed the arm of the bowtie man. "Our romantic dinner is waiting!"
"Oh boy…" the sweating man babbled as he got dragged away by the blonde woman.
And so Subaru ended in front of a large window which showed the moon shining upon the peaceful crystal clear ocean. Outside, Luna sat on the beach and as she was typing a number on her cell phone, Rad's rocket stopped above her, his head coming out of it and saying:
"Hey Luna, what's up? You need a ride?"
"Thank you, but I wish to stay here a little more and admire the moon." the blue haired girl looked at him shyly.
"Whatever. Anything new from your side?" Rad attempted to strike a conversation.
"Nothing much, I have just been busy with school recently, projects, deck building, tests and similar things. Tsugumi knows more about that."
"I see. In that case, I'll see you later! If there's anything that you need, you know where to find us."
"I do."
"Alright, I'll be off then, good night!"
Luna watched how the rocket took off and disappeared in the dead of night. Afterwards she returned her sight to the silvery moon, a small smile appearing on her face as she saved the number in her phone.
In a matter of minutes the rocket was back in the UFO's garage safe and sound, its tired owner walking down the Ark's halls looking for a shower. On his way he found Subaru staring melancholically at the window and taking his chances, he walked up to him, saying:
"Nice night, isn't it?"
"I have to agree. This sight is so beautiful…" Subaru reflected.
"You know, if a month ago you would've told me that I'd end up in the future on a spaceship with my old friends, I would've punched you in the face, thinking you were making fun of me." Rad joked, catching a small chuckle from his friend.
"And yet the impossible has become possible. To be honest, Rad, Bolmeteus Sapphire Dragon has all the right to be proud of you; you've truly become an amazing guy, both as a person and as a duelist! Know that with us you'll always have a home to return to."
That smile of Subaru's and that warm stare from those eyes were so hard to resist even for a tough guy like Rad. Not being able to take it anymore, he bluntly said:
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure Rad, ask me anything."
"Subaru… is it ok if I cry now?"
In the next moment the black haired boy approached him and offered his leaned his head on it and let his streams of tears fall down his cheeks and on the black T shirt of his friend, his body being caught in a warm embrace. Yes, he was home at last.