Thank you to everyone who read the last chapter. Also, thank you to Gonzox-kun, Omarnosian10, and fpinheiro96 for commenting on the last chapter. Here's some of my responses:

Omarnosian10 - Maybe. We'll see ;) Otherwise, I'm happy you're enjoying my story.


Chapter 25 - The Fiery Flames of Loyalty


MAIAMI CITY - ABANDONED WAREHOUSE (MORNING)

In the morning sun at the pier, sounds of fighting and objects colliding with each other can be heard inside the warehouse. Soon after, cries were heard as well as explosions, with puffs of smoke coming out from the windows.

Bryan had a look of intensity on his face as he held out his fist, "Go, Songhu! Burn them down!" An unknown monster, whose figure was shrouded by shadows, lunged an arm which released what appeared to be white flames toward several monsters: Alien Revenger, Evoltector Chevalier, Jurrac Tyrannus, and Daemon Giant God. Several of the Duel Hunters were blown away by the flames as they cried out. One by one, every monster on the field was being engulfed by the flames with the first one being Jurrac Tyrannus.

Then, Alien Revenger, Evoltector and Daemon were destroyed as well. Bryan had his eyes closed, concentrating as he counted the number of monsters destroyed, "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine...ten!" As soon as he stopped, the flames disappeared as every other monster was wiped off the field, depleting every Duel Hunter's LP that were in that battle.

"Yes!" Bryan cried out as he raised his fist, feeling fervent with a fire in his eyes. "I've mastered it!" It took him awhile but he finally mastered his new deck as he showed off his new power. He never felt so fired up in his life.

"B-Bryan! That's enough!" said Genjo as he felt exhausted while kneeling down on the floor along with other members, some were lying on their backs, having had enough of the training.

Bryan took a step forward and held out a fist while smirking, "I'll say when it is enough! And it's not enough, do you hear me?" The other Duel Hunters looked distressed as Bryan continued, "You can do better than that!" Bryan then held out a hand, "My fire won't stop! Burn it all down!" The shrouded monster lunged a fist which unleashed a fiery blast that enveloped everything in its path, making everyone else scramble out of the way as they yelled in distress. The blast pierced through the wall which caused a hole to be made through it.

Bryan walked slowly towards the hole, feeling focused and determined after training so hard for this. He felt ready to take on Yuya Sakaki. He raised a fist and yelled out into the open, "Yuya Sakaki, you are going down!" He will have Yuya learn the taste of defeat as he had many times before. He remembers it very clearly when he first met Kylian.


MAIAMI CITY - BRIDGE

Flashback (Around a few months ago…)

Back when he was still leading the Duel Hunters, they were searching for many duelists with rare cards and taking them whenever they had the opportunity. Then, one day, he met Kylian at the spot under the bridge.

Bryan, along with Genjo and Shiba, were facing Kylian in opposite directions. Bryan had his hands gripping his coat while he looked angry, "I dare you to say that again!"

Kylian was unfazed by his coat being grabbed as he smirked, "I'll say it as many times as I want. It's not in my habit to battle weak opponents, got it?"

As Bryan gritted his teeth in anger, Genjo looked like he disagreed with what Kylian said, "You're kidding yourself!" Shiba agreed as he held up a fist, "You don't know the skill of our leader right here!" Kylian just chuckled in response before he eventually decided to humor them.

Kylian and Bryan had their duel disks activated, both of them ready to start as each of them looked confident. Kylian smirked as he placed his deck in, "This is your chance to run away, pal!"

"Don't kid yourself!" rebuffed Bryan as he placed in his deck in after. The two then started their duel.

After a few minutes, Bryan had his hand held out, "Go, Phoenix Gearfried!" A crimson and white knight, that had fire flowing behind its head, held up a giant sword and white shield before charging straight towards Kelvar Wolf. Fire surrounded his sword as Gearfried swung it before Kelvar caught it with his mouth. Gearfried tried to swing again before Kelvar reacted and blocked the swing with his claw.

"How do you like that?!" yelled Bryan as the two monsters continued to clash with each other. Kylian still had a smirk on his face as he watched, "You do have some power...but that's all!" Bryan retorted, "We'll see!"

After a couple more minutes, Kelvar leaped into the air as Kylian yelled out, "Howl, Kelvar!" Kelvar howled up a wind storm that tore apart Bryan's life as he yelled in pain.

BRYAN: LOSE
KYLIAN: WIN

Bryan groaned in pain as he stumbled a bit on one foot, "Ow. What power…" Genjo and Shiba could only watch on in shock from the sheer skill Bryan had to face.

Kylian smiled as he held up his deck after he took it out of his duel disk, "See ya." He then turned around to leave. However, he heard Bryan call out, "Wait!" Kylian turned to see Bryan holding out his deck with an expression that was a mixture of both desperation and determination on his face, "O-One more time!" Kylian closed his eyes and frowned before he decided to accept as he turned to face him once more.

After another few minutes, Kelvar blew away another tornado that hit Bryan and knocked out the rest of his life points. The blast caused a tear in his jacket on his shoulder. Bryan gritted his teeth as he held his shoulder for a moment, "One more time!"

He doesn't know how many times he kept challenging Kylian to a duel but it felt like hours to him. An hour passed as well as many duels where Bryan kept taking one hit after another, never backing down and insisting on a rematch every time.

Eventually, after taking so many hits, Bryan fell down on his back and was exhausted from all of the damage he took from the matches. Bryan coughed a little and sighed in exasperation before he suddenly got a second wind and sat back up. He had a look of determination on his face as he looked at Kylian, "I'm not done! I'm not done yet!"

Kylian looked at Bryan for a second before he smirked and chuckled a little, "No matter how many times you fall, you keep getting back up. You have a fiery spirit." He held out his duel disk as he said that last part.

Bryan then smiled from hearing that, "Thanks." He activated his duel disk to challenge Kylian again.

A couple more hours passed as the sun was going down and evening was showing in the daylight. For a moment, only the sounds of cars passing through the bridge can be heard. On the ground below, Bryan was lying on his back, covered in scratches and letting out an exhale of total exhaustion with Kylian chuckling a little. Genjo and Shiba could only watch in shock as they saw how tired Bryan has become over so many duels.

Bryan groaned a lot as he slowly sat back up, gritting his teeth before holding one of his arms from feeling soreness.

Kylian looked at Bryan with a neutral look in his eyes, "You've fought well. Very well."

"One more time! One more time! One more…!" Bryan was holding out his deck and was trailing off as he attempted to duel again before his legs gave out and he fell on his knees. Bryan cried out in anguish as he landed his head on the ground.

Genjo and Shiba ran to Bryan's side with concern on their faces, "Bryan!" "Are you okay?!" However, to everyone else's confusion, they soon heard Bryan laughing for some reason as he was still facing the ground.

"You're the first person that I've met that's managed to overwhelm me with so much power!" Bryan was shaking from excitement as he raised his head to look at Kylian. "I totally lost! But it doesn't feel bad at all!"

As Bryan kept laughing, Kylian stared at him with a perplexed look on his face, "What a strange guy…"

Bryan sat up on his knees and had a smirk on his face, "I'm officially your biggest fan! I will follow you! Even if you say no, I will follow!" Bryan stood back as Kylian turned around to walk away.

As Kylian walked, he had a smile on his face, "Do whatever you want." Honestly, he doesn't care if this guy follows him around or not.

Bryan smiled in gratitude as he followed Kylian, "...Thank you!" He's never met anyone like Kylian and hoped he could teach him so much.

Flashback End.


MAIAMI CITY - ABANDONED WAREHOUSE

After reminiscing his first encounter with Kylian, Bryan looked at his fist, feeling even more determined than ever, "Just hold on, Kylian." In order to get his friend back, he has to duel and defeat Yuya Sakaki which he plans on doing now.

With his decision made, Bryan brought out his duel disk and typed some buttons as he was calling somebody. The phone was ringing for a moment before Nico came up on the screen with a puzzled look on his face, "Bonjour? Who is this?" He wondered who could be calling him at this time especially since he doesn't recognize the number calling.

"You're Nico Smiley, aren't you?" said Bryan as he had a look of intensity on his face as he smiled. "I hear you're looking for opponents to challenge Yuya Sakaki."


MAIAMI CITY - SAKAKI RESiDENCE

As the morning hour passed by, Mikleo was sitting in a chair in Yuya's room with him facing the back of it, leaning on it with his arms. Yuya was looking over at the closet, checking if he missed anything before he put on his crimson wristbands.

"So, that's what happened," commented Mikleo. Since this morning, Yuya has told Mikleo what transpired last night with Yuto and Lucine. He found all of this information very interesting in a way. He finds it amusing that Yuto mistook Yugo for Ruri's would-be-kidnapper while also pondering something about what Ray has said, involving the four boys with the same face including his brother. He had already heard about Leo Akaba though he didn't mention that he knew it beforehand and just let Yuya believe that it was the first time he's heard of the Professor. He wagered they don't need any more complications especially with how Ray knew all of this.

A thought then came to Mikleo's mind as he held out a hand, "I'm more or less curious about your other counterparts." He had heard of Yuto and was wondering about Yugo and that other guy who was Ruri and Rin's would-be-kidnapper.

Yuya paused for a moment before responding, "Yeah…" He had wondered the same thing though he figured they'll encounter them eventually. However, Yuya processed another thing Mikleo said and turned to his brother in confusion, "Wait, counterparts?" He wondered where that word came from.

"Yeah, counterparts. Just a thought that came to mind," said Mikleo before he had his hands behind his neck. "I mean you, the other three, and the girls each have the same face while also being from a different dimension. Couldn't it be something as simple as you and Yuzu each having a counterpart from a different dimension?" He's not mentioning that he sorta made that up on the spot but he wasn't lying either. He just thought it might be a much simpler way of clarifying how each of them are connected for now until they know for sure what it is.

"I...guess?" said Yuya as he slowly pondered about that before admitting that Mikleo might have a point. He never thought of it like that but he would say maybe it was something close to that possibility.

As Yuya was searching around his deck and trying to decide what cards to use, Mikleo was curious, "So, if I'm hearing that right, your plan is get into the Maiami Championship and talk to Reiji when you have the chance."

It would make sense that they should try to talk to Reiji since it is likely that he knows some things about Academia, more so being the fact that he's Leo Akaba's son. In fact, before Yuya and the others left last night, he had a conversation with his little brother about the fact that he suspected LDS might be more involved with this whole ordeal than they originally thought, how deeper it goes is the question they're asking.

"By the way, your next match is today, isn't it?" questioned Mikleo as he recalled that Yuya mentioned his third match is supposed to be today as well as Rin's and Sora's final qualifying match.

Yuya took one final look at his deck before he turned to his brother, "Yeah. Though Nico didn't say who it would be yet." However, as soon as he said that, the screen on his duel disk started blinking and making noise, meaning someone was calling him. Yuya pressed a button and responded, "Hello?"

"Yuya, my boy! I have good news!" Nico came up on the screen with an excited smile on his face. He spun around for a moment and then held out a hand to Yuya, "I've found your third opponent for today!" Yuya raised an eyebrow and wondered who it was.


MAIAMI CITY - ABANDONED WAREHOUSES

A couple hours have passed since Nico told Yuya the news of who he was going to face. Yuya was surprised to hear who it was and was about to ask more before Nico told him to meet at the abandoned warehouses at the pier before he cut off the call. Yuya calls Ruri and the kids soon after to meet up with him.

After walking down the streets, Yuya, Ruri, and the kids arrived at an area of the harbor where it appeared to be more abandoned as there were no ships docked anywhere as well as the crates appeared to be more old and worn out.

Ruri looked around at the place in curiosity, "I feel like we've been at the harbor more times than usual."

Yuya turned his head back and forth, questioning where Nico was supposed to be. He muttered, "Wonder where Nico is..."

Nico suddenly appeared behind everyone else with a smile on his face and surprised them, "Yes?" He bowed at Yuya for a moment, "I'm glad you could make it, Yuya." Nico then walked up so that he was in front of everyone else.

Yuya, as soon as he got over his shock, looked at Nico curiously, "Nico, is my opponent really Bryan?" He had to make sure he heard that right especially since he didn't expect him as his third opponent. He wondered where that decision came from.

Ruri looked surprised from hearing what Yuya asked while the kids were confused, not recognizing that name before. From what Ruri remembers, he was a high ranking member of the Duel Hunters and a close friend of Kylian.

"Who is Bryan?" wondered Futoshi as he looked confused.

"I feel like we've heard that name before," muttered Tatsuya as he held a hand to his chin in order to think. Ayu hummed in thought as she felt the same thing.

Nico held out a hand to Yuya, "That's correct. I'll admit when I met him, I had my doubts but then he showed me a fire unlike any I have ever seen!" He had an excited smile on his face as he looked up into the sky, having a fiery aura around him.

Yuya narrowed his eyes in confusion, "A fire? What are you talking about?"

Nico clasped his hands together, "You'll find out soon enough. But just you know, I made sure to evaluate his dueling skills and I know for sure he will be another great test for you!" He can confirm that since he had watched Bryan demonstrate his dueling skills before making this decision. He was originally going to find a different third opponent for Yuya but decided Bryan might be the better candidate.

Nico then turned and held out his hand towards one of the buildings, "Now, off we go! It is time for your third duel." Yuya lowered his eyes before he walked towards the building in confusion, imagining he'll get an answer soon enough. Everyone else soon followed behind him.

Ruri looked at Yuya as she walked right beside him, "Yuya, are you really going to duel that guy?"

"That's what Nico said. Besides, maybe he got stronger than last time." replied Yuya which made Ruri hummed in thought. Although Yuya wouldn't admit this, he kinda thought Bryan was a bit of a pushover when they first dueled him but he's trying not to complain. With any luck, maybe Bryan is a better duelist than before.

However, Yuya and Ruri heard someone cry out, "W-What happened here?" They turned to see Futoshi having a look of shock on his face along with Ayu and Tatsuya. Yuya and Ruri were confused before they turned back around to see what was up. And to their surprise, the warehouses near them all had holes in the walls as well as parts of the ground appearing to be scorched.

Tatsuya frowned in confusion, "I wonder what caused this…" Ayu felt a little unnerved as she held onto Tatsuya's arm, who didn't notice her grip.

Yuya lowered his eyes as he looked at the mark below him, "Burn marks?" He looked around in confusion as there seemed to be a lot of them around this area. He turned to Nico, "Nico, what's going on?"

Nico simply smiled as he walked past Yuya, "Who knows? But I'm sure you're about to find out. Now, if you would…" He gestured towards the warehouse in front of them with an excited look on his face. Yuya sighed in response before he decided to give up asking and enter the building with the others in tow, walking and stopping in front of the doors.

Yuya entered the warehouse with the others in tow, walking a few steps before stopping and couldn't see anything other than crates since it was dark inside. Everyone looked around to see if anybody was here before a fire suddenly blazed in the middle of the area. The kids were taken aback as they yelled in surprise and took a step back. Yuya and Ruri looked surprised as they wondered where it was coming from before Yuya noticed something in the middle of it. It was a person who was walking towards Yuya and the others.

Yuya recognized who it was as he looked at him, "Bryan." The others, except for Nico, were surprised as light shined on that person, revealing Bryan's face as he had a smirk on his face, "I've been waiting for you, Yuya."

"You made the burn marks from earlier," replied Yuya.

"That's right. They were made while I was training to defeat you." said Bryan as he walked closer and stopped in front of Yuya by a few feet. A fiery aura surrounded Bryan while he had a look of determination on his face, "Yuya Sakaki, no matter what happens, you're going down!"

A moment of silence passed as everyone processed this before the kids backed up a little from seeing the intensity displayed by Bryan. Tatsuya looked shocked and concerned, "B-Big Bro Yuya…"

Yuya then had a smirk on his face as he felt excited, "Interesting. I am getting so pumped up!" Ruri sweatdropped and giggled a little from the cheery response. The kids looked a little surprised he wasn't intimidated in the slightest.

Bryan looked shocked when he heard the enthusiasm in Yuya's voice, "H-Huh?!" He then brushed it aside as he looked serious again, "Let's battle!" Whatever that was doesn't matter to him, just the fact that he wants to get Kylian back.

Yuya narrowed his eyes in resolve, "Yeah! I accept your challenge." Yuya wagered that Bryan is trying to get revenge for him defeating Kylian and that's fine by him. Yuya brought out his duel disk and placed it on his arm, activating it as he was ready to duel with Bryan doing the same as he activated his duel disk.

Ruri and the kids stepped away and watched from a distance in anticipation, near the side, while Nico just stayed at the entrance with a smile on his face. After a few seconds, both duelists shouted out.

[DUEL!]

YUYA LP: 4000
BRYAN LP: 4000

"I'll go first, draw!" Yuya drew a card and looked at his hand for a second before taking out a monster, "I Normal Summon Entermate Big Bite Turtle (ATK: 800, DEF: 1200, LV: 3, PS: 3)!" Yuya summoned a small, yellow turtle that had big green eyes, a purple shell, a top hat and a pink, polka-dotted bow tied around its shell.

Yuya looked toward Bryan, "I end my turn with that." Now, he's curious if Bryan has gotten a little stronger than before.

"It's my turn, draw!" Bryan drew a card before he took a look at his current hand, smiling at what he has. He then took out a card and showed it, "I Normal Summon Brave Flame Star - Yuansheng (ATK: 1600, DEF: 1000, LV: 4)!" From a fire pillar, a humanoid, beastly general wearing black and gold armor appeared on the field with, what appeared to be, a gorilla spirit made of fire behind it.

Yuya looked a little surprised, "Flame Star?" This was definitely something he hadn't seen before as he recalled Byran using different monsters from before.

Byran held out his fist towards Yuya, "Hit em' hard, Yuansheng! Attack Big Bit Turtle!" Fire burned all over Yuansheng as the warrior flew towards Turtle and punched it, destroying Yuya's monster.

Yuya simply smirked a little, "Big Bite Turtle's effect activates! When it is destroyed by battle, I can destroy the monster that battled it!" When Yuya was done, Yuansheng suddenly exploded and vanished from the field.

"That doesn't bother me at all," said Bryan before he placed a card in his duel disk, "I activate the Continuous Magic: Flame Dance - Tensei! By activating this card, I can summon back a Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior from my Graveyard! Revive, Yuansheng (ATK: 1600)!" Yuansheng was summoned back from a pillar of fire.

"Tensei's other effect! While this card is on the field, all Beast-Warrior-type monsters on my field gain 100 ATK!" Fire was released from the magic card which powered up the beast general.

Brave Flame Star - Yuansheng (ATK: 16001700)

Bryan placed a card in his duel disk, "I set a card and my turn is done!"

Ayu frowned a little in distress, "Right off the bat, Bryan managed to destroy Big Bro Yuya's monster while keeping his on the field." Futoshi looked curious, "I wonder what he's trying to do." Ayu and Futoshi then turned to see Tatsuya with a thoughtful expression on his face which made Ayu wonder, "Tatsuya, what's wrong?" Tatsuya furrowed his eyebrows deeper, "I'm not sure but I feel like I've heard of this type of deck before."

"Well, either way, this is a different type of deck than what Yuya and I saw before," said Ruri as she frowned in confusion.

Yuya pondered what kind of strategies this new deck would have before he decided to think about it later, feeling like it might come eventually. Yuya placed his fingers on his deck, "My turn, draw!"

He held up two cards from his hand, "I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 2 Entermate Hermit Crab Landlord and Scale 8 Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon!" Yuya placed the two cards in the Pendulum Zones as Odd-Eyes Arc appeared in one of the pillars of light. Appearing in the other pillar of light was a purple hermit crab having a green shell on its back with golden orbs attached to it.

"With this, I can summon monsters with Levels 3 to 7 simultaneously!" The giant pendulum was swinging as Yuya chanted, "Swing, my soul's Pendulum! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" Yuya raised his hand into the sky as three lights appeared from the portal and morphed into monsters. "Appear from my hand, Entermate King Bear (ATK: 2200, DEF: 1000, LV: 6, PS: 7) and Entermate Drumming Kong (ATK: 1600, DEF: 900, LV: 5, PS: 2)! And from the Extra Deck, Big Bite Turtle (DEF: 1200)!" Big Bite Turtle appeared back on the field in defense position. Appearing from the other side were two new monsters: one was a large gorilla wearing a musician outfit that had drums on the chest area and cymbals connected to the shoulders, the other was a brown bear wearing red royal outfit with a white and red cape along with a golden crown on top of its head.

Bryan was unnerved for a second before he had a look of resolve on his face again, "You may be able to use this new method but it won't change anything in the long run!" He refuses to back down even though he's up against this new summoning method.

Yuya threw out his hand, "I'll now battle! At this moment, King Bear's monster effect activates! During the Battle Phase, it gains 100 ATK for every "Entermate" card on my field." There were four cards currently on the field as King Bear powered up.

Entermate King Bear (ATK: 22002600)

"King Bear attacks Yuansheng!" King Bear flew towards Yuansheng with his claw reached out.

"Like I will let you!" shouted Bryan in defiance as he pressed a button and revealed a trap. "I activate the Continuous Trap: Flame Dance - Hogo! This negates my opponent's monster's attack!" A wall of fire erupted and blocked King Bear's charge, preventing the attack from continuing.

"And then, Hogo's other effect makes my Beast-Warrior monsters gain 300 ATK!" said Bryan.

Brave Flame Star - Yuansheng (ATK: 17002000)

Yuya narrowed his eyes before he pointed at his other monster, "Then I'll have Drumming Kong attack Yuansheng!" Drumming Kong ran towards Yuansheng.

"Drumming Kong only has 1600 ATK. What are you up to?" In normal cases, Bryan would question why he would do that but he's not underestimating Yuya since he's the one who defeated Kylian.

Yuya simply smiled in response, "I activate Drumming Kong's effect! Once per turn, when my monster battles another, I can target it and it gains 600 ATK until the end of the Battle Phase!"

Entermate Drumming Kong (ATK: 16002200)

Drumming Kong jumped high in the air and smashed Yuansheng with its large arms, destroying the monster which made Bryan grunt in response.

BRYAN LP: 40003800

"Since it is the end of the Battle Phase, King Bear and Drumming Kong's ATK return to normal," said Yuya as his monsters' effects wore off.

Entermate King Bear (ATK: 26002200)
Entermate Drumming Kong (ATK: 22001600)

Yuya looked at Bryan, "I end my turn."

"My turn, I draw!" Bryan drew his card before he took out another from his hand, "I activate the Continuous Magic: Flame Dance - Yoko! When this card is activated, I can discard a card then target and destroy a face-up card you control!"

"It's too bad. King Bear cannot be destroyed by Magic or Trap effects while it is in Attack Position." Yuya revealed his monster's effect as Bryan held out a card to get rid of.

However, Bryan didn't seem fazed as he pointed at Yuya, "Then, I'll choose another target. I choose to target and destroy Drumming Kong." He discarded a monster which caused a fire tornado to surround Drumming Kong and engulfed the monster entirely. There were now three face-up magic cards on Bryan's field.

The kids looked both confused and intrigued by what they were seeing Bryan doing as Futoshi pointed out, "Now, he has three Magic/Traps on the field." Ayu tilted her head in confusion, "Is there a point to having that many face-up cards on the field?" Other than the effects when they're activated, all they are doing is slightly increasing Bryan's monsters' ATK. Tatsuya looked even more confused as something was bothering him about all of this.

Bryan held up two cards that were from his duel disk, "By sending Yoko and Hogo from my field to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Killer Flame Star - Bullkui (ATK: 17001800, DEF: 1000, LV: 4) from my Graveyard!" After the two cards vanished from the field, from a dark portal in the ground, an axe-wielding viking with long hair appeared in front of Bryan with a blue bull spirit connected to him.

"Then, I activate the Continuous Magic: Flame Dance - Tenki! With this card, I am allowed to add a Level 4 or below Beast-Warrior from my Deck to my hand." said Bryan as he added Tenrei to his hand. "Tenki's other effect also increases my monster's ATK!"

Killer Flame Star - Bullkui (ATK: 18001900)

Byran then placed another card in his duel disk, "Next, I activate the Continuous Magic: Flame Dance - Qixuan! When this card is activated, I can target a Magic/Trap Card on the field and destroy it." Bryan pointed at Yuya, "And I'm aware that Pendulum Monsters are treated as Magic Cards when they're in the Pendulum Zones. So, bye-bye Odd-Eyes Arc!" A firestorm enveloped Odd-Eyes Arc inside the pillar of light and was destroyed as a result. Also, the other effect of Qixuan powers up Bryan's monsters even more.

Killer Flame Star - Bullkui (ATK: 19002000)

He held up another monster from his hand, "I Normal Summon Fierce Flame Star - Tenrei (ATK: 11001400, DEF: 2000, LV: 4)!" Bryan summoned a muscular, bearded viking that wore orange armor and wielded a spiked mace while having a purple caribou reindeer behind the warrior.

Bryan pointed at Yuya's monster, "Battle! Fierce Flame Star - Tenrei attacks Big Bite Turtle!" Tenrei swung his mace around and destroyed Turtle with a bang.

"Big Bite Turtle's effect! When it is destroyed by battle, I can destroy the monster that battled it!" Yuya called out as Tenrei suddenly blew up and left the field altogether. He then held out his hand, "Then, I activate Entermate Hermit Crab Landlord's Pendulum Effect! When a Pendulum Monster I control is destroyed and sent to the Extra Deck, I can target a card in my Pendulum Zone and Special Summon it. Appear on the field, Entermate Hermit Crab Landlord (ATK: 500, DEF: 2500, LV: 5, PS: 2)!" Hermit Crab let the light pillar in a flash before reappearing this time in front of Yuya.

"I end my turn." Bryan looked down toward his duel disk, "At this moment, Tenrei's monster effect activates. Since this card was destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 "Flame Star" monster from my Deck. Come on out, Wealth Flame Star - Tuying (ATK: 1500→1800, DEF: 1000, LV: 4)!" A lean viking that wore golden armor and wielded a naginata in his hands appeared on the field. There was also a blue rabbit spirit floating beside the warrior.

Futoshi looked on in curiosity, "Everytime Big Bro Yuya counters, Bryan has an answer to it." Ayu looked a little amazed as she nodded, "He's better than he looks."

Ruri didn't say anything but silently agreed with the two of them. However, Ruri noticed Tatsuya seemed to be bothered by something as she looked in his direction. Ruri frowned in concern, "Tatsuya, what's wrong?"

Tatsuya was taken aback for a second as he was lost in thought before he replied, "Oh...nothing, Big Sis Ruri. I just…" He narrowed his eyes, "I feel like I've seen this before." He has this weird feeling like he has seen those monsters before but he can't remember why.

Futoshi and Ayu turned to Tatsuya after he said that and Ayu was confused, "What do you mean?" They wondered if Tatsuya had some knowledge of Bryan beforehand.

Tatsuya didn't answer for a moment as he seemed to be contemplating something. After a few seconds of thinking, his eyes widened a little as he had an idea. He took out his duel disk and typed a few buttons while the others watched in both curiosity and confusion, wondering what he was doing. After a few seconds, Tatsuya stopped and his eyes widened a little, "Here it is!"

Ruri, Ayu, and Futoshi looked at the screen Tatsuya was holding up. It appeared to be an article of a duel event that happened over a few years ago. There was a picture in the article showing an arena along with an adult male with spiky orange hair was on one side of the field; he appeared to be related to Bryan as they looked a lot similar to each other. There were also viking-like monsters with fire spirits appearing out of them that looked exactly similar to the monsters Bryan is using now.

Tatsuya looked back and forth as he read the article, "Around 7 years ago, international pro, Tyson Williams, managed to dominate and gain attention in Europe. He is known for his flashy performances as well as the fiery passions displayed in his duels." There were also other things such as winning different tournaments and awards in the pro league. The one key thing Tatsuya noted was that the deck he used was called Flame Star, the same deck Bryan is playing now. As soon as he finished, Tatsuya looked back up at the duel, "I knew it! I knew I've seen that type of deck before! It was the same deck the former pro Tyson Williams used!"

Futoshi tilted his head in confusion, "Is he really that big of a deal?" He had never heard of this guy and it looked like Ayu and Ruri were clueless as well as they didn't have any idea either.

Tatsuya nodded in excitement, "Of course! Before Entertainment Dueling was a thing, he was one of the many pros that made waves in national tournaments!" Before he came to You Show, he used to read a lot of the history about former pros during the last decade.

Ayu turned back toward Yuya and Bryan, "If that is true, why does that guy have that deck?" Futoshi and Ruri turned back too as they wondered the same thing.

"I'm not sure. Maybe he's related to Tyson in some way?" wondered Tatsuya as he wasn't if there was a connection although it did appear that there were similar features between the two of them. Ruri didn't say anything but was intrigued a little by the information she read as she doesn't know much about Standard's history.

Meanwhile, Yuya was starting his turn as he drew a card, "My turn, I draw!" He pointed at King Bear, "I will now battle! King Bear's ATK increases due to its effect."

Entermate King Bear (ATK: 22002400)

"King Bear, attack Bullkui!" Yuya called out as King Bear charged straight towards the warrior. Then, while the bear was attacking, Yuya gestured toward his other monster, "Now, I activate Hermit Crab Landlord's monster effect! Once per turn, when a Pendulum Monster I control battles, that monster gains 300 ATK for every other monster I control during damage calculation only!" As Yuya was finished, both Hermit Crab and King Bear glowed blue as Hermit Crab transferred some of its power onto the other.

Entermate King Bear (ATK: 24002700)

King Bear soon brought his claws and slashed through Bullkui, destroying the monster in a fiery explosion which pushed Bryan back a couple feet while holding his arm up in protection.

BRYAN LP: 38003100

After moving his arm away, Bryan smirked at Yuya almost in an impressed manner, "Not too bad!"

Yuya looked back at Bryan for a second before he smirked as well, "You either."

Bryan then narrowed his eyes because, behind that smirk, there was also determination and frustration in his eyes as he looked at Yuya, "Don't be impatient. There will be a chance." He will wait as long as possible for the opportunity to win and take it.


MAIAMI CITY - UNKNOWN DOJO SCHOOL

Meanwhile, in a dojo-like arena, a young, muscular man in a karate outfit held out his hand toward Rin, "You've fought well, young one! Show me more of your strength!"

Moments later, Rin held out her hand towards her opponent, "Winter Bell, finish this! Freezing Wind!" Winter Bell unleashed an ice storm that enveloped the martial artist and made him pass out on the floor with a thud.

? LP: 10000

RIN: WIN
?: LOSE

Rin bowed a little in respect, "It was a pleasure dueling you." She then smiled in happiness, knowing she finally has enough wins to qualify for the Maiami Championship. Now, she wonders how everyone else is doing.


MAIAMI CITY - UNKNOWN OPERA SCHOOL

On a stage somewhere, Sora, dressed in a musician outfit, held up his arm and called out in a sing-song voice, "I will now make a direct attack with Death-Toy Scissor Bear!" Scissor Bear launched his arm towards his opponent, who was a boy wearing an opera outfit.

The arm hit him and sent him flying, "With this, my life is now zero!" He yelled out in a singing tone before he landed on the ground.

? LP: 4000

SORA: WIN
?: LOSE

As the opera house and action field disappeared, Sora jumped up in excitement while holding up a fist, "I did it, that's six wins!"

Yuzu ran over to Sora and stopped in front of him with a smile on her face, "Congratulations! Now you're qualified to enter the Maiami Championship!"

Sora had his eyes as he smiled in satisfaction, "Well, for someone of my ability, it was a given."

Yuzu was smiling for a second before she frowned as she seemed hesitant about something. She had been thinking of a way to talk to Sora while also trying not to give too much away that they suspect him or something. So far, she's not sure how to proceed and may not get another chance like this. She then shook her head in thought, standing firm that she should at least take this chance.

"Hey, Sora. Can I ask you something?" Sora was taken aback and confused by this as he didn't know what Yuzu wanted. She paused for a second before she looked at Sora in curiosity with her hands behind her back fidgeting, "I was wondering...when did you learn how to duel?" That was the first question that popped into her head but figured it might be a good start.

Sora tilted his head in confusion, "Huh?" He frowned as he pondered what to say for a second, wondering if it's okay to answer that. He eventually decided to respond, "...I don't know." As Yuzu looked surprised from that answer, Sora moved his hands behind his head nonchalantly as he looked to the side, "For as long as I can remember, dueling has been taught to me since I was a kid."

Yuzu's eyes widened a little, "Since you were a kid? Where did you learn it?"

Suddenly, Sora turned back to Yuzu and narrowed his eyes, "Why are you asking?" He wondered where this was coming from.

Yuzu looked nervous for a second before she regained her composure and thought of a quick response, "Well...cause I'm your friend. I just wanted to know more about you." She said that with a smile as she quickly got rid of her nervousness from before. Though it was a fast reply, it was an honest answer.

Sora stared at Yuzu for a few seconds, as if he was contemplating something, before he looked to the side away from Yuzu, "Friends, huh?" Sora turned back to Yuzu with an unreadable expression on his face, "...Do friends usually talk about stuff like this?"

Though confused by the question, Yuzu easily answered, "Yes. They talk about stuff like this sometimes. Only if they're willing to."

Sora didn't say anything for a moment which bothered Yuzu a bit. Suddenly, Sora then laughed which surprised Yuzu before Sora gave her a cheeky smile, "Don't worry about the details. It's whatever."

Sora then turned around and walked away which made Yuzu reach a hand out to him, "H-Hey! Sora!" Sora walked in a cheerful manner, not paying Yuzu any attention right now. Yuzu moved her hand back and watched Sora walk away with a frown on her face, worried about how he is but more so his response just then.


MAIAMI CITY - ABANDONED WAREHOUSES

YUYA LP: 4000; Yuya's hand: 3
BRYAN LP: 3100; Bryan's hand: 0

Yuya had King Bear and Landlord on his field while Bryan had Tuying, Tensei, Tenki and Qixuan face-up on his field. Since it was the end of the battle, the effect of both Landlord and King Bear ends.

Entermate King Bear (ATK: 27002200)

Yuya placed a card in his duel disk, "I set a card and end my turn."

"My turn!" Bryan declared as he drew a card before immediately placing it on his duel disk, "I Normal Summon Noble Flame Star - Shijin (ATK: 16001900, DEF: 0, LV: 4)!" Bryan summoned a viking warrior wearing blue and golden armor who wielded a sword while having a purple lion spirit floating around him.

Bryan held out his hand, "I activate Tuying's monster effect! Once per turn, by shuffling two "Flame Dances" from my field or Graveyard into the Deck, I can Special Summon a "Flame Star" monster from my Deck." Bryan shuffled Hogo and Yoko from his Graveyard into the Deck as Tuying punched the ground which caused a hole to erupt nearby. "Show yourself, Dark Flame Star - Xiongzhi (ATK: 16001900, DEF: 1200, LV: 4)!" As fire rose from the hole in the ground, a muscular warrior clad in black and orange armor appeared on the field with a fierce look on his face. There was also a fiery, red bear spirit trailing behind the warrior.

Bryan held up the Tenki and Tensei cards that were just on the field, "Then, by sending two face-up "Flame Dances" from my field to the Graveyard, I revive Killer Flame Star - Bullkui (ATK: 1700) from my Graveyard!" Tenki and Tensei disappeared from the field, creating two tornados that formed into Bullkui as it appeared in their place. Since the two Flame Dances left the field, their ATK increase vanished from the field.

Killer Flame Star - Bullkui (ATK: 17001800)
Wealth Flame Star - Tuying (ATK: 18001600)
Noble Flame Star - Shijin (ATK: 19001700)
Dark Flame Star - Xiongzhi (ATK: 19001700)

Ayu looked concerned, "He has four monsters on his field now." Yuya looked at Bryan with both curiosity and cautiousness in his expression, wondering what he is planning.

Suddenly, Bryan smirked for some reason as a fiery aura surrounded him, "Alright, I'm getting fired up!" He held up a fist towards Yuya, "Watch this! This is the new power I've obtained in order to take you down! I overlay my Level 4 Bullkui and Tuying in order to Xyz Summon!" Yuya's eyes widened in shock from hearing that before Bryan's monsters turned into red energy that went into a portal. Ruri and the kids had shocked expressions on their faces while Nico just smiled in excitement.

"Born from the flames of time, the dragonic warrior descends from the heavens to fight for glory! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Leisure Flame Star - Gongguansheng (ATK: 18001900, DEF: 2200, RNK: 4, OVU: 2)!" A bearded warrior that wears a white and yellow robe, gray side armor, and carried a sword with a red rope tied around it as there was a spirit of a cardinal bird attached to the blade.

"What?!" shouted Ayu, Futoshi and Tatsuya in shock.

"Xyz Summon? When did he learn that?" wondered Ruri as she had never seen Bryan do that before. Yuya wondered the same thing as he had his eyes narrowed in response.

Bryan smiled as he held out his hand, "Here's the chance I've been waiting for! I activate Gongguansheng's monster effect! By using 2 Overlay Units, I target two "Flame Dance" cards in my Graveyard or face-up on my field and two cards you control! They are all shuffled into the Deck!" Yuya was surprised when he heard the effect as Bryan pointed out, "I target your Hermit Crab Landlord and King Bear while I shuffle Tenki and Tensei back into my Deck!" Bryan took both Flame Dances from his Graveyard and shuffled them back into the deck. Both of Gongguansheng's Overlay Units vanished as he held out his sword.

Leisure Flame Star - Gongguansheng (OVU: 20)

Gongguansheng lit up his sword with fire before he swung it in Yuya's direction, creating a shockwave of fire that enveloped Yuya's remaining monsters. They cried out while they were forcibly removed from the field and returned to the Deck, making Yuya frown in response.

The kids looked really concerned after witnessing what just happened. Futoshi looked troubled, "He got rid of Big Bro Yuya's monsters!" Ayu looked worried as she frowned, "Not only that, but they were returned to the Deck!" Tatsuya had the same expression on his face, "Now, Big Bro Yuya can't summon them back next turn."

Ruri had a mixture of seriousness and concern on her face, "Yeah. When Pendulum Monsters are destroyed, they can be summoned back. But if they are shuffled into the Deck, it will be more hard to bring them back." She hoped Yuya will be careful, especially since he has no monsters now while Bryan has three.

Bryan punched the air as he held it towards Yuya, "Battle! I attack you directly with Xiongzhi!" Xiongzhi jumped up with fire in his fists and punched Yuya in the chest, pushing him back a little while Yuya winced from the attack.

YUYA LP: 40002300

"Dark Flame Star's monster effect! When this card deals battle damage to my opponent, I'm allowed to set a "Flame Dance" Magic directly from my Deck!" Xiongzhi moved his arms around before Bryan took a card from his deck and set it directly in his duel disk. "Shijin, attack Yuya directly!" Shijin dashed forward and slashed through Yuya.

YUYA LP: 2300600

The kids shouted out in worry, "Big Bro Yuya!"

Bryan held out his fist, "This will finish you! Gongguansheng, attack him directly!" Gongguansheng sheathed his sword out before flying towards Yuya, ready to strike him down.

However, Yuya held out his hand as he retaliated, "I activate the Trap Card: Drain Shield! With this, your monster's attack is negated and I gain LP equal to that monster's ATK!" The warrior swung his sword but was blocked by a green shield in front of Yuya. The collision of the two forces created fireballs that blasted several holes around the area, including a ceiling spot near Yuya.

YUYA LP: 6002500

Bryan huffed in annoyance before he smirked, "Just what I expected from you, Yuya. You're not gonna allow me to win that easily. That makes it all the more satisfying to crush you! I end my turn."

Yuya allowed a small smile to grow on his face before he placed his fingers on his deck, "It's my turn, draw!" Yuya took a look at his hand in order to consider his options as he then looked back up towards Bryan, "Since I don't have a current Pendulum Scale to use, I'll have to hold out as much as can." He barely has any monsters to use so he'll just have to work with what he has but he's not bothered by it. Yuya picked up a card and held it out, "I Normal Summon Entermate Secondonkey (ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000, LV: 4)!" Yuya summoned the brown donkey that wore a blue saddle and a top hat above its head.

"Secondonkey's monster effect! When this card is Normal Summoned, I can send an "Entermate" monster from the Deck to the Graveyard." said Yuya as he sent Thunderhino to the Graveyard with that effect.

Yuya stared at Bryan for a second before he held out the last two cards in his hand and placed them in his duel disk, "I set two cards and end my turn."

Futoshi looked distressed from seeing Yuya's move, "Big Bro Yuya couldn't do much this turn." Ruri frowned a little, "He must've been caught off guard by Bryan's plays." He has gotten considerably better since the last time they have seen him especially since he knows Xyz Summoning.

Nico simply smiled as he watched with his hands held together, "Oh my. Looks like Yuya is in quite a bind." He closed his eyes, "This is what happens when someone passionate responds back to you. I hope you can surpass my expectations like last time." He wants Yuya to overcome this hurdle and has faith that he can get it done. It won't be easy especially with Bryan's burning passion to win.

Bryan gritted his teeth in irritation, "Damn it. He's not making this easy." As expected, Yuya is a tough opponent to defeat but it doesn't matter. He has to win this or else he won't get Kylian back. With all of the training he went through, he swears he'll win no matter what. Bryan placed his fingers on his deck, "My turn!" He drew his card before he held out a hand, "I activate Dark Flame Star's monster effect! Once per turn, by sending a face-up "Flame Dance" I control to the Graveyard, I can target a monster on the field and destroy it! I chose your Secondonkey!" Qixuan dissolved into particles of fire that transferred to one of Xiongzhi's fists, who then punched in the direction where Yuya was and released a shockwave of fire towards Secondonkey.

Yuya lowered his eyes, "I activate the effect of Entermate Thunderhino in my Graveyard. By banishing this card, I can prevent the destruction of an "Entermate" card." As Thunderhino was banished, Secondonkey absorbed the fire and wasn't destroyed as a result but the fire was redirected which caused several parts of the warehouse to be blasted again including some crates nearby. Nobody noticed that the hole above Yuya was slowly getting bigger as cracks were leaking out from the side. Since Qixuan left the field, the ATK increase left as well.

Leisure Flame Star - Gongguansheng (ATK: 19001800)
Noble Flame Star - Shijin (ATK: 17001600)
Dark Flame Star - Xiongzhi (ATK: 17001600)

Bryan showed a monster card in his hand, "I Normal Summon Minute Flame Star - Longshijin (ATK: 1800, DEF: 400, LV: 4)!" A long-haired warrior wearing green armor and a viking helmet appeared on the field. He wielded a double-sided halberd spear that has lots of small, orange long dragon spirits connected to the tip of the weapon.

"Then, I activate the Continuous Magic: Flame Dance - Gyokko!" As Bryan's face-down set card was revealed, he pointed at Yuya's leftmost set card, "When this card is activated, I can target a set Magic/Trap Card my opponent controls. As long as this card is on the field, you cannot activate it and you can't respond to this card's activation!" Blue chains made out of flames binded one of Yuya's set cards, making it unable to be activated which made Yuya narrow his eyes in response. Also, the ATK increase of another Flame Dance is now in play.

Leisure Flame Star - Gongguansheng (ATK: 18001900)
Noble Flame Star - Shijin (ATK: 16001700)
Dark Flame Star - Xiongzhi (ATK: 16001700)
Minute Flame Star - Longshijin (ATK: 18001900)

Bryan gestured toward one of his monsters, "I activate Longshijin's effect! Once per turn, if I activate a "Flame Dance" Magic/Trap, I can set a "Flame Dance" Trap directly from my Deck!" Longshijin waved his arms in slow motion before the warrior stopped at a hand sign and another set card appeared in front of Bryan.

Bryan's eyes widened in intensity before he clenched his fist and punched the air, "Battle! I attack Secondonkey with Shijin!" Shijin rode his own lion spirit and charged straight towards Yuya's monster. "Noble Flame Star's effect! When this card battles a monster, it gains 400 ATK and I can set a "Flame Dance" Magic or Trap once per turn!" Purple flames surrounded Shijin while Bryan grabbed another card from his Deck and set it on the field.

Noble Flame Star - Shijin (ATK: 17002100)

Shijin pulled back his sword before thrusting it into Secondonkey, destroying the monster in an explosion.

Noble Flame Star - Shijin (ATK: 21001700)

The explosion then dispersed into small fireballs that scattered across the entire room. The kids screamed in shock and ducked down, slightly frightened by the fire that's bursting all around. Ruri had her arms around them as she ducked down to stay safe. Nico ducked as well but had a nervous smile on his face from seeing the chaos in this duel. Yuya, who was blinded temporarily from the attack, slowly moved his arm away before noticing the damage that attack was causing.

However, as Yuya turned his eyes toward his friends, he noticed something was off. The storage rack that they were nearby looked slightly damaged with one of the supports being almost burnt off, struggling to support the steel beams it was holding. As Yuya heard the sound of something being torn off, he noticed what was happening as his eyes widened in shock and looked worried, "Guys! Look out!" He called out to them as he tried to warn them.

Ruri and the kids looked up at Yuya, wondering what he was shouting about before Ruri's eyes widened and turned her head upwards toward a sound she was now hearing. Metal was creaking as one of the support beams broke off and the rack tilted to where the steel beams then tumbled out of it and were falling towards Ruri and the kids. The kids noticed what was happening and screamed in fear, ducking their heads and closing their eyes as they were too scared to move. Ruri gasped before she had a look of resolve on her face, thinking she had to act fast. With her quick thinking, she grabbed each of the kids and held on tight to one another. Then, with all of her might, she quickly sidestepped away from the falling beams while also forcing the kids out of the way. She pushed so far that it trajected into a dive which made her and the kids land on the floor as the beams landed on the ground next to them with a loud thud. Ruri managed to save herself and the others by pushing them out of harm's way. The kids were surprised by what just happened before they quickly were relieved they were alright.

Nico rubbed his hands in a nervous manner, "Oh mon!" As he looked around the area for any other damage done, he was relieved Ruri and the kids were alright.

Yuya sighed in relief and smiled after seeing that they were unharmed. However, the hole in the ceiling cracked even more before it collapsed entirely and large rubble was falling from the ceiling to where Yuya is.

The kids screamed after raising their heads up, "Big Bro Yuya!" They saw what was happening and were immediately worrying while trying to warn him. Ruri gasped before quickly jumping to her feet and trying to reach Yuya as she lunged forward with a look of horror on her face and had her hand out to him, "Yuya!"

Yuya looked confused before his eyes widened as he heard something and looked up at the source. Just a few feet above him was rubble that was falling from the ceiling. Yuya looked more shocked as he realized what was happening, "Crap!" He was so engrossed by his friends' safety that he didn't notice it was falling onto him. With quick thinking, he tried to move his feet to sidestep out of the way but the rubble was too close as Yuya could barely move fast enough. Then, just as it seemed like he was going to get crushed, he heard someone yelling before he felt someone colliding with him, pushing him away out of the way just as the rubble landed on the ground.

After the dust soon cleared, Yuya opened his eyes to see Bryan on top of him with a strained expression on his face with his eyes closed. Yuya's eyes widened as he realized what just happened: Bryan just saved him by pushing him out of the way.

Ruri still had her hand out but stopped a few feet in front of them and was taken aback by what she saw, "Bryan?" Tatsuya and Futoshi were confused while Ayu wondered, "Why did he…?"

Bryan opened his eyes and raised himself up a bit while looking shocked, "Uh...I, um…" Yuya blinked his eyes while Bryan noticed he was on top of him and quickly stood up. He backed away a few feet, looking nervous, "Oh! I was, uh…" He was stuttering as he didn't know what to say.

Yuya then stood up and looked at Bryan, "Bryan...You saved…"

"No! No, I didn't!" interrupted Bryan as he had a look of disbelief on his face, almost like he wasn't sure what just happened. Bryan then glared at Yuya, "You just never mind! Keep battling! Yuya!" He held out his hand in determination, "Xiongzhi, attack him directly!" Xiongzhi gathered flames into his fists before he punched Yuya, who was taken aback for a second before regaining his resolve, in the chest.

YUYA LP: 2500800

"Dark Flame Star's effect! With it, I'm allowed to set a "Flame Dance" Magic directly from my Deck again." Xiongzhi moved his arms around before Bryan took a card from his deck and set it directly in his duel disk once again.

Bryan punched the air towards his monster, "Longshijin, attack Yuya directly and end this!" Longshijin spun his spear before he flew straight towards Yuya with his spear engulfed in flames.

Yuya, however, pressed a button in retaliation, "I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw! The battle damage I take is reduced to 0 and I get to draw a card." Longshijin thrust his spear but was blocked by a red barrier. After the warrior returned to Bryan's side, Yuya drew a card from his deck.

Bryan gritted his teeth in irritation, "Damn. It was the other set card I didn't pick before with Gyokko." He then smirked as he felt confident, "But I still have one more monster left! Gongguansheng, finish off Yuya!" Bryan called out to his monster in resolve which made the monster draw his sword towards Yuya. Leisure Flame swung his sword into the ground, just a foot in front of Yuya, and caused an explosion to erupt from the ground.

The kids looked worried at the fact that Yuya might have lost this while Ruri frowned in response, wondering if he's okay. Bryan looked satisfied as he felt like he'd won before his eyes widened as the smoke cleared. Yuya came out with a smile on his face, unscathed as his life points weren't changed.

Bryan took a step forward as he was shocked, "Why? How did you survive that?!"

Yuya still smiled as he gestured to his duel disk, "I used the effect of Entermate Guardian Troll in my hand. By sending this card to the Graveyard, I didn't take any damage from that attack." Earlier in the attack, Yuya explained how he sent the monster card to the Graveyard. After that, a colorful, stone statue that depicted a troll sitting on a pedestal appeared on the field temporarily. It had a guarded stance as it absorbed the fire blast and disappeared when the smoke was clearing.

The kids sighed in relief after hearing how Yuya saved himself. Bryan clicked his tongue in irritation, "You really aren't making this easy." He then held out his hand, "In that case, I'll do this! I use my Level 4 Shijin and Xiongzhi to create the Overlay Network!" Both of his monsters turned into orange energy that went into a dark portal.

"For the one who rules the flames of destiny!" Bryan chanted. "Engrave your soul among this earth with justice! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Leader Flame Star King - Songhu (ATK: 22002300, DEF: 1800, RNK: 4, OVU: 2)!" From a pillar of fire came a white, bearded warrior wearing a crimson and golden general outfit while having a metal gauntlet attached to his right arm. Also, white flames were connected to the gauntlet as a giant tiger spirit was roaring right behind the warrior.

Bryan took a card from his deck and held it, "When Songhu is Xyz Summoned, I set a "Flame Dance" Magic or Trap directly from my deck!" He placed it in his duel disk and another set card appeared on the field, making Bryan's field have four set cards including a face-up Flame Dance. "I end my turn with that."

Futoshi looked a little unnerved, "That guy managed to bring out another Xyz Monster." Tatsuya was cautious as he watched Bryan's field, "Not only that, but with four set cards on Bryan's field, there's no telling what Big Bro Yuya has to deal with on his next turn." Unless they are face-up, there is no way to know which card it is or what effects each of them has. Ayu frowned as she looked worried, "Big Bro Yuya…" Ruri lowered her eyes in concern but had faith that Yuya will find a way to win. Nico was watching in anticipation as he wondered how Yuya would respond.

Yuya raised his duel disk and looked down at his deck, "It all comes down to what I draw next." There are no monsters on the field and no cards currently in his hand. With determination inside him, he placed his fingers on his deck and drew a card.

He opened his eyes to look at the card he drew before he immediately placed inside his duel disk, "This should get me where I need to go. I activate the Magic Card: Treasure Cards of Adversity! When I have no monsters on my field and my opponent controls a monster that was Special Summoned, I'm allowed to draw two cards!"

Yuya proceeded to draw two more cards before he smiled at what he saw, "Here it is!" He looked at Bryan with resolve in his expression, "I activate the Ritual Magic: Odd-Eyes Advent! Through this card's effect, I can Ritual Summon a Dragon-type monster from either my hand or Graveyard by tributing monsters that equal or exceed the monster's Level."

"That's impossible!" retorted Bryan as he had a look of disbelief on his face. "Unless I'm reading this wrong, the only monster you have in your hand is the Ritual Monster you want to summon! You don't have any other monsters in your hand or field to use!" Without the proper monsters to tribute, there is no way to summon a Ritual Monster normally.

However, Yuya smiled as he brought out a Pendulum Monster from his Extra Deck, "If my opponent controls at least 2 or more monsters while I control none, I'm also allowed to send "Odd-Eyes" monsters from my Extra Deck as the requirement!" He held out Odd-Eyes Arc as he revealed the other effect his magic card had.

Bryan's eyes widened in shock, "What?! Using monsters from your Extra Deck to Ritual Summon?!" He had never heard of such a thing and didn't know it was possible.

"That's right!" declared Yuya as he held out his monster. "So, I send Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to Ritual Summon!" Following Yuya's words, an altar with two torches appeared on the field. As the torches lit up a red and blue flame respectively, Odd-Eyes Arc was absorbed into the altar with a vortex of crimson and blue flames erupting from it.

"Dragon with dichromatic eyes!" Yuya chanted. "Unbind yourself from the world's chains and shake the universe with your power! Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 7! Dragon that bears the world's weight, Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon (ATK: 2800, DEF: 2500, LV: 7)!" A dichromatic dragon with thick gray fur and reddish-brown skin appeared on the field from a magic circle as it roared proudly. It has rock armor all around its body, a huge blue orb on its stomach that resembles other Odd-Eyes, and the right eye is surrounded by a furry spike.

Tatsuya held his fists out as he looked excited, "That's so cool! To think Big Bro Yuya would actually monsters from his Extra Deck in order to Ritual Summon!" Ayu nodded and smiled in happiness, "This is Pendulum Ritual!" Futoshi danced a little in excitement, "I'm getting the shivers!" Ruri watched in awe as the first time she had seen this monster. Nico, however, smiled in satisfaction as he clapped his hands, excited to see further developments.

Yuya looked at Bryan with a smile on his face, "Now, Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon's effect activates! When this card is Special Summoned, I return all Magic and Trap Cards my opponent controls back to his hand! Also, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this!"

Bryan took a step in shock, "What did you say?!" The fact he can't respond means he has no choice but to take the effect.

Yuya pointed at his monster, "Do it, Gravity Dragon! Repulsion Wave!" Following Yuya's command, Gravity Dragon stomped its leg onto the ground which caused a shockwave that blew away all of Bryan's Magic and Traps, returning them to his hand as he growled in annoyance. Since the face-up Gyokko was removed from the field, the ATK increase is removed as well.

Leader Flame Star King - Songhu (ATK: 23002200)
Leisure Flame Star - Gongguansheng (ATK: 19001800)
Minute Flame Star - Longshijin (ATK: 19001800)

Bryan continued growling in anger, "I didn't think you had a monster like this." He held up a fist as he wasn't giving up, "Still, even though your monster has more ATK than all of mine, I'll still survive!" Even if Gravity Dragon attacked one of his monsters, the damage wouldn't be enough to finish him off.

Yuya, however, didn't pay any more to that fact as he held out his hand, "Now that Gyokko has left the field, I can now activate the Trap Card: Ethereal Connection!" The chains that were binding Yuya's other set card broke off as it flipped face-up. "I target a monster on my field and send a Pendulum Monster from my hand or face-up from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard! It gains ATK equal to half of the sent monster's original ATK!" He picked up Drumming Kong from his Extra Deck and held it out, "I choose Gravity Dragon and send Drumming Kong from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard!" After Yuya sent the monster to the Graveyard, Drumming Kong appeared a silhouette near Gravity Dragon temporarily, beating down his drum chest and granting Odd-Eyes Gravity more power as he roared again. Since Drumming Kong's ATK was 1600, Gravity Dragon gained half of its strength.

Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon (ATK: 28003600)

"An attack of 3600?!" cried out Bryan.

"Battle!" declared Yuya as he held out his hand. "Odd-Eyes Gravity, attack Minute Flame Star! Gravity Impact!" Gravity Dragon stomped its foot into the ground once more, causing fissures and cracks to appear in the ground which created large chunks of rock to rise around the dragon. Then, it abruptly hurled them towards Longshijin as both the monster and Bryan were pelted by the rocks, smashing the monster and hurting Bryan a little while he gritted his teeth.

BRYAN LP: 31001300

Bryan ignored the small sting from the attack and smirked at Yuya, "Nice try! Even though you increased Gravity Dragon's ATK, I'm still in this!" On his next turn, he will make sure to defeat Yuya.

Then, to Bryan's confusion, Yuya simply smiled in response, "Sorry, Bryan, but this duel is over. With Ethereal Connection, not only does Gravity Dragon's ATK increase but it can also attack twice this turn." Bryan's eyes widened in shock as he suddenly figured out what that meant for him.

Yuya held out his hand, "Now, Gravity Dragon, attack Songhu! Gravity Impact!" Odd-Eyes Gravity stomped its foot again and hurled large rocks towards Songhu, crushing the monster to pieces as Bryan was dealt a blow that caused him to fall to his knees.

BRYAN LP: 13000

YUYA: WIN
BRYAN: LOSE

Yuya put away his duel disk as he felt satisfied after the duel. He heard someone call out to him, "Big Bro Yuya!" He turned to see the kids and Ruri with smiles on their faces. He wondered, "You guys aren't hurt, are you?" They shook their heads as they felt fine.

Bryan was staring at the ground for a second before he suddenly punched the ground, "D-Damn it!" He felt frustrated after losing that match. The sudden thud from the punch caused the kids to back away a bit in minor fear.

Yuya turned back to Bryan with a smile on his face, "Oh man! That was so much fun!"

Bryan stiffened a bit before he raised his head up in shock, "Huh? It was fun?"

As the kids tilted their heads in confusion and Ruri giggled a little, Yuya continued smiling, "It was! The combos you used with your Flame Dances were pretty sweet! If things had played out differently, I would've been in trouble." Yuya then walked up to Bryan and held his hand out to him, offering a handshake.

Bryan blinked his eyes in disbelief as he didn't know what to make of what Yuya said or the fact that he wanted a handshake. Bryan then had a look of shock on his face as he moved his hand away, "Wh-Wha…?!" He then glared at Yuya, "You?! Never!" He turned as he held his arm away and walked away from Yuya and the others with a disgruntled expression on his face.

As Bryan left the area altogether, the kids and Ruri looked at each other and pondered what to do. Yuya tilted his head in confusion as he wasn't sure what to make of that either.


MAIAMI CITY - DOWNTOWN

Yuya and the others were walking back home down the streets as the sun was soon going down. The kids looked happy as they talked with Yuya. Tatsuya looked at Yuya, "That's great, Big Bro Yuya! You only need one more win now!" Ayu was happy for him, "Then, you'll surely qualify for the Maiami Championship!" Futoshi raised a fist, "I bet it will be all the more exciting!"

Yuya chuckled a little from seeing their happy faces before turning to Ruri and noticing she had a contemplating expression on her face. Yuya raised an eyebrow, "Ruri? What's wrong?"

"Hm?" Ruri turned to Yuya, "Oh, nothing. I was just...surprised that Bryan actually saved you." The fact that a Duel Hunter, someone who bullies young duelists and takes their rare cards, would actually save Yuya. Not that she isn't glad he did it, she's just surprised is all.

Ayu tilted her head and held a finger to her chin to ponder, "Yeah, that is a little weird." Futoshi nodded in agreement while Tatsuya wondered what to make of it.

Yuya suddenly smiled as he closed his eyes, "I don't know about that. He probably just wanted a fair fight because he trained so hard." As the others wondered what Yuya meant, Yuya pulled out his deck and looked at it, "Maybe the guy didn't want to cheat after putting all of the effort into training with his new deck." Even though there is bad history between them, Yuya could see and feel the determination from Bryan and how hard he trained so much just to get stronger. "I think because of that he wanted to win fair and square." If someone were to put in a lot of effort to get stronger efficiently, then it would be a waste to then cheat after using a lot of that time. Not only that, Yuya feels that Bryan might be more of an honest person that he lets on. He does wonder if they can ever be friends.

Meanwhile, as they were walking by a restaurant, nobody noticed Bryan was near them as he was sitting at a table, eating a burger while not noticing the others either. He ate it rather frantically as he felt frustrated, "H-Hot!" He crushed the burger in his hands before he ate more of it, "Next time I definitely won't lose! Why did I save Yuya back there? What was I thinking?" He has no idea why he saved Yuya from the falling rubble. His body just moved on its own. As he was confused by his own actions, he was chewing so fast that he soon accidently bit on his own finger. He cried and yelled out, "O-Ow!" It can be heard throughout the restaurant as his finger was red and tears were visible in his eyes.


Fanfiction OC Memo:

Flame Dance - Tensei (Continuous Magic) - Activate this card by targeting 1 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior-Type monster in your GY; Special Summon it. All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 100 ATK. You can only activate 1 "Flame Dance - Tensei" per turn.

Flame Dance - Hogo (Continuous Trap) - Activate this card when your opponent's monster declares an attack; Negate that attack. All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 300 ATK. You can only activate 1 "Flame Dance - Hogo" per turn.

Flame Dance - Qixuan (Continuous Magic) - Activate this card by targeting 1 Magic/Trap on the field; Destroy it. All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 100 ATK. You can only activate 1 "Flame Dance - Qixuan" per turn.

Wealth Flame Star - Tuying
(LV: 4, Beast-Warrior, FIRE, ATK: 1500, DEF: 1000)
Monster Effect: If you activate a "Flame Dance" Magic/Trap: You can draw a card. You can shuffle up to 2 "Flame Dance" cards from your field or GY into the Deck; Special Summon 1 "Flame Star" monster from your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Wealth Flame Star - Tuying" once per turn.

Noble Flame Star - Shijin
(LV: 4, Beast-Warrior, FIRE, ATK: 1600, DEF: 0)
Monster Effect: If this card battles a monster, it gains 400 ATK during damage calculation only. Once per turn, when this card battles a monster: You can set 1 "Flame Dance" Magic/Trap Card directly from your Deck. Once per turn, you can send 1 face-up "Flame Dance" Magic/Trap Card you control to the GY, then target 1 monster your opponent controls; halve that monster's ATK until your End Phase.

Entermate Guardian Troll
(LV: 6, Rock, EARTH, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2400, PS: 6)
Pendulum Effect: When an Attack Position monster you control is targeted for an attack: You can target it; change it to Defense Position and it cannot be destroyed by that battle. You can only use the Pendulum Effect of "Entermate Guardian Troll" once per turn.
Monster Effect: During damage calculation, in either player's turn: You can discard this card; you take no Battle Damage from that battle. Once per turn, during either player's turn, you can switch this card's ATK and DEF. Other "Entermate", "Magician", or "Odd-Eyes" monsters you control cannot be targeted for an attack.

Ethereal Connection (Trap Card) - Target 1 Monster you control: Send 1 Pendulum Monster from your hand or face-up in your Extra Deck to the GY; this turn, that monster gains ATK equal to half of the sent monster's original ATK, also, it can attack twice this turn. You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 Pendulum Monster face-up from your Extra Deck but it has its effects negated. You can activate one effect of "Ethereal Connection" per turn and only once that turn.

Some OCG, TCG, Anime and/or Manga effects are changed for the sake of convenience


So, as you have noticed, Bryan got a new deck in the form of Flame Star (Fire Fist in the TCG). I chose this for two reasons: (1) I wanted to give support to Fire Fists and (2) they represented a part of Bryan's fiery spirit.

Alright, one chapter left until the Maiami Championship and you all know what duel is coming next. I will say that it will play out a little differently than how it was in the anime.

Anyway, I hope y'all like the chapter and I'll see you in the next one.


NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:

A New Boundary - Steadfast Friendship - With one final duel left to qualify, Nico presents Gongenzaka as Yuya's final challenger. As both best friends resolve to hold nothing back, they clash with each other in a heartfelt manner. Meanwhile, Kylian undergoes some strange procedures at a facility...


Like or please review ~