Thank you once again everyone for the wonderous responses and reviews, I have been through the reviews and I have been informed about the Guest reviewer who has spammed Serena which is more than like the same person trying to control the voting block so all Guest Reviews of Serena will henceforth collectively be considered as one singular vote, I should of added in a clause stating you had to be registered member to vote or PM them... oh well... so after tirelessly counting and making sure there's no double voting or mishaps, the final results are follows:
Serena - 18
Yuzu - 1
Rin - 2
Ruri - 1
Bracelet Girls Harem - 19
Other Girls from different Series - 1
Man.. Camp Serena and Camp Harem were certainly duking it out for first between each other with Rin in second place and Yuzu, Ruri and other girls in third, some sent in their votes via PM, so it's now estalibished this fic will be going down the Bracelet Girls Harem Route! This will be completely uncharted waters for me but it also gives me a lot of ideas to work with, as for Yuya, Yuto and Yugo not getting a Love Interest because of this... I'm not going to a cruel author, I may most likely make them be in a sense, very good friends or pair them with someone, I can't say for certain whom because that's unknown but the former idea sounds like the best one.
Now to answer some of the latest Chapter 2 Reviews, if I didn't answer yours, then I apologzie but considering I got like 6 pages worth of reviews within just one week, if I answered every one of them, that could probably fill in a small Chapter in itself.
Dranzer - To be fair, that was Haruto's first ever Action Duel since all the previous Duels have been the normal standing still, anyone would be struggling with such a change to run and grab a card somewhere, be it on the groudn or up high, Yuzu even stated he doesn't have to actively go after cards and can stick to his preferred way of Duelling, the Duel was more or less getting his feet wet, I do plan on there being more Action Cards in Haruto's Duels a bit more than in the original but only a bit, also, Haruto's not going to be an all-knowing person who knows every card effect, his knowledge lies in the old stuff, not the new but also, the Duel gives Yuzu some time to shine as well since the Anime rarely gave her that.. as for the move to close out the game, I have my own ideas while still making a Duel exciting and on the edge of your seat as it were.
lucario-badass - The Protagonist does have some support but not everything, if he did, he'd steamroll through the tournament, after all, if he had Archfiend Black Skull Dragon, that'd kind of stop anything, I'm also trying my best not to go for Burn OTKs which Red-Eyes is capable of, that isn't as exciting as a Duel could be.
lunaxnaruto45 - That's why Archfiend Black Skull Dragon and Meteor Falling Dragon exist, they are revamped versions of Black Skull Dragon and Neteor Black Dragon.
Guest Ranter - First of all, please calm down? I do not know about the other Reviewers but they may of very well not heard or known such story titles like you suggested, while your points on Serena and Rin are well founded but admittedly the Harem Route doe splay with possibilities as it is an interesting case considering the origins of all Bracelet Girls in. As for you hoping this story gets bumped up to M Rating, I'll be frank, there'll be no chance of that happening since I am not comfortable writing sexual scenes or as everyone knows them by another term, Lemons. I do not deny your love for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Franchise or the females in said shows but we Authors write these fics and pairings because we want to share the same love we have for the shows but also, give them possibilities that not even the canon anime even considered, if you wish to see Rin used or other stated female characters whoa re the default heroines, then by all means, might I make a suggestion that you yourself write such stories so you too can share how much you like these characters and the shows in general? You may have ideas that no other Author has for those characters and who knows, maybe there are other like you wo wants to see OC x Rin or other pairing you have noted, I would encourge you to genuinely try having a go yourself at writing such stories.
Yukio-no-Ryu-Ken - I would say never underestimate old non-effect Fusion Monsters of Red-Eyes, while they may not be like their revamped versions we know today but this fic is made with the idea of generally give the old cards like that recognition while the same time, give the new updated cards a time to shine too, that's my goal here, however your comment about interesting changes is noted.
Knight-Geiz - Tania... Oh good lord... that's a old character if I ever heard one! I admit, at the time, I wasn't into female characters liek that or tanned girls, I was young and naive because well, msot anime never use them as romantic interests but my mature mind opened up to them all in thanks to two characters, Nitocris of Fate/Grand Order and Shelby of Power Rangers Dino Charge... Yeah, I'm old ;-;
evildragon101 - I noted your comment and well, to be fair, Zarc himself was broke too considering his effect that protected him from effects with opponent's monsters in the Graveyard, if you consider just how many Duelists may of fought him while he was the SUpreme Dragon King before Rei shown up compared to the canon Zarc vs Everyone in ARC-V... it's kind of something to think about btu also the Original Dimension's state was oen where anyone was desperate to stop him, even if it means sacrificing themselves... as for Akaba Leo, I will say this, he will get his just desserts in the Redux instead of the grovelling in the original story among some other ideas for duelists teh group to face off against.
Whew... what a wall of text to respond to but I hope that made some of you satisified and erhaps udnerstanding with some of the answers as wlela s vague hints what I have planned, anyway, lets get the next part going shall we? Please enjoy this Chapter with a few touch-ups!
Born from the discovery of implementing mass into Solid Vison, Action Duels! Duels where the field, monsters and the Duelists become one, pulls the crowd into the maelstrom of crazed excitement!
[Play Yu-Gi-Oh Opening 2, Burn!]
Rettsu sutāto! Isshun no senkō kara!
(Let's start! From a flash of light!)
A close up of just only Haruto's face looking to the right before the camera zoomed out to show his upper body as behind him was a red background and a silhouette of Red-Eyes appearing for a brief moment before changing completely in a pattern of white lines.
Rettsu faindo! Sō, boku ga iku beki Wei
(Let's find! Yeah, the way I should go)
The next short was of Yuzu looking to the left as the camera panned back, showing a pinkish purple scheme and her bracelet flashing for a brief moment.
Rettsu sutāto! Otanoshimi wa kore kara
(Let's start! The fun has just begun)
Yuya has his head lowered before he brought it up, pulling back his goggles to place on his forehead as he had a green background and his pendant swayed from side to side.
Redī gō! Riaru no maku ake
(Ready go! Open reality's curtain!)
Haruto, Yuya and Yuzu stood within the stands of entrance way to the Stadium's grounds then the camera zoomed in behind them and then rotated around so it faced the three as they each had a smile before the camera zoomed out to show the vast space of the Duel Stadium that was jam-packed with attendees as confetti was falling from the sky.
Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V
Red-Eyes Redux
Kitai, fuan no mirai ga ima ugokidasu
(My future, full of worries and expectations is starting now!)
Haruto's duel disk was on standby and he moved to get ready for a duel but paused as Yuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka approached him from all sides and Haruto had to sheepishly put his hand behind his head, looking ashamed.
Tashika na negai ga koko ni aru kara Donto wōrī
(But I've defintiely got my wish with me, so don't worry!)
The group turned around to see the various competitors all looking ready to duel.
Akogareta ano hi mezashite boku wa tatakau
(Aiming for that day I've always dreamed of, I'll fight)
Haruto drawn a card and placed it on his Duel Disk as a flash of white occurred and surrounding him was Red-Eyes , Red-Eyes Black Dragon, his Gemini Counterpart, Red Eyes Black Flare Dragon, Summoned Skull and it's counterpart, Red Eyes Archfiend of Lightning.
Kirameku tsuyosa ga Kādo ni yadoru
(With sparkling strength residing in the cards!)
Haruto gave a smile before it cut away to reveal him flying on Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon's back, soaring into the clear blue skies with clouds underneath the two
Appu/Daun wo kurikaeshi nagara
(Through the repeating ups and downs)
The LSD top ranking students, Sawatari, Shun, Sora, Reira and Reiji from the bottom up to the top, posing before it zoomed in Reiji's glasses, causing a lens to brighten up and reveal a silhouette.
Fīru Itto! Kodō ga Ba,Ba,Ba,Bān!
(Feel it! My heartbeart's Bu-Bu-Bu-Burn!)
The scene changed to Duel Monsters cards falling as a silhouette figure looked on ominously behind a glass window and the cards seemingly absorbed into a machine.
Furikitta genkai wo mata norikoete boku wa tsuyoku naru
(I break away and surpass my limits again! I'll get even stronger!)
Haruto was riding Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon as Yuya was flying upwards on Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon then Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon reared back its head before letting loose an attack upon Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon but Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon appeared to block the attack as Yuto briefly appeared with it before jumping out of shot.
Akirametaku wa nai kara
(Because I don't want to give up!)
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon came flying at Haruto who immediately placed a car don his active Duel Disk and Red Eyes Archfiend of Lightning emerged from the clouds.
Kasoku suru kaze ni notte mukaerunda
(I ride the ever-accelerating winds and head forth!)
A white silhouetted dragon appeared behind a white Duel Runner riding towards the screen and drifted in full 360 as it slowed down to reveal a young man's face under the green visor of his helmet.
Ashita sura ito'oshikunaru hodo no boku no yume
(Towards my dream that makes me look forward to tomorrow!)
Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon clashed with their claws before causing an explosion as Odd-Eyes and Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon simultaneously let loose a dragon breath which met in mid-collision, causing an even bigger explosion.
Ano kumo wo tsukinukete mabushī yume wo aozora ni egakō
(I'll break through those clouds, and draw my dazzling dream across the blue skies)
It cleared away to reveal Yuya waving the smoke away before hanging on to his Ace Monster as a rocket comes out of nowhere from the clouds and Kurosaki crossing his arms on his Raid Raptor, blasting off into the distance, unfazed by the propulsion of Raid Raptors – Rise Falcon or losing his balance.
Rettsu sutāto! Isshun no senkō kara
(Let's start! From a flash of light!)
Haruto stood upon a pillar and gave a smile as before him was Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon, Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning and a Red-Eyes B. Chick, facing off against a ambiguous silhouette.
Rettsu faindo! Sō, boku ga iku beki Wei
(Let's find! Yeah, the way I should go)
The You Show Duel School were cheering on as Yuya and Sawatari were duelling a destroyed old village, enjoying themselves..
Rettsu sutāto! Otanoshimi wa kore kara
(Let's start! The fun has just begun)
Yuzu and her opponent Masumi also enjoying themselves in a maze of high walkways as Yuzu held a blank Fusion Monster card.
Redī gō! Riaru no maku ake
(Ready go! Open reality's curtain!)
Yuya leapt from from the sky and landed on the Maiami Duel Championship logo as his past opponents along with Yuzu, Gongenzaka,, Yoko, Shuzo, and Haruto, all looking up at the screen.
Chapter 3
The Maiami Championship Begins!
-Haruto's Room-
The curtains were parted open, revealing the clear blue sky as Haruto sat at his desk, today was the day the Maiami Championship officially begun so last night, he had all of his cards laid out to double check if he had everything,. "I'm honestly surprised I even managed to sleep at all." Haruto noted in his thoughts, the whole appeal of Action Duels was going to be showcased in the stadium so he did take the time to watch some Action Duel videos beforehand to understand the various Action Card effects as well as witnessing some of the things that people do to get Action Cards were borderline crazy but there wasn't a sense of danger as all Solid Vision equipment were ready to change at a moment's notice, especially when Yuzu reassured him yesterday.
Haruto looked to his deck as some cards were removed and replaced. "Well, it's time to go, all I can do is trust in the Deck I've created for this day." Haruto quietly said to himself as he boxed his Deck with some Side Cards in the eventuality he needed to change something and left his bedroom descending down the steps to turn into the kitchen, his mother greeting him. "Morning honey," Haruto's mother said as she sat at the table with a newspaper open and Haruto sat across from her, pulling his chair out to sit down.
"Morning again Mum." Haruto politely answered as she folded her paper. "So, is my man ready for his debut?" Haruto's mother smiled as the recipient blushed a bit, his cheeks a faint red. "O-Oh Mum... Yeah, I went over my deck and prepared some alternative cards." Haruto answered in a embarrassed tone.
"I'm happy you made some friends already but the stadium is quite a walk from here though, are you sure you'll be okay sweetie?" There was a concerned tone in her voice and Haruto nodded before responding calmly. "Yeah, Yuzu said her father will drive by and pick me up on the way to the stadium."
"Well, I suppose it's better than going on public transport, sorry I can't come with you but seeing as your father is creating more cards, he needs his food too. I'll watch you when I get the time, oh... speaking of food..." Haruto watched his mother get up and walked into the main area of the kitchen, coming out with a normal dull grey backpack
"I packed your favourites, a couple of sandwiches, chocolate, sliced apples, crisps and a drink since I don't know how long you'll be at the stadium for." She placed the bag on the table which Haruto took and slung it on his shoulder as he heard a knocking sound at the door. "My, what perfect timing." She added in surprise and the pair went to answer the door as Haruto looked to see Yuzu standing outside in the doorway.
"Hello Mrs. Makoto, is Haruto... Oh hello Haruto." Yuzu said with a smile and Haruto's mother smiled in return. "Please dear, call me Harumi, I'm not that old." Harumi said with a slight flush to her face, hand to her cheek as Haruto approached Yuzu. "Hey Yuzu, did you get lost in trying to locate the house?" Haruto asked her.
"Not really, Dad knows Maiami so when you told us what road you were on, it was just a matter finding your door number, so are you ready?" Yuzu asked him.
"As ready as I'll ever be, well, Mum, see you later today I suppose?" Haruto said and Harumi nodded. "Have a safe trip." and Haruto followed Yuzu to the van as the door slid open, Haruto noted Yuzu's father, Shuzo in the driver's seat but there were four unfamiliar faces, one was a short, young boy with light cyan hair, that is tied up and spiked out as he wore a blue jacket, with a yellow and orange trim over a black t-shirt with a pair of light grey cargo shorts over long white socks and brown shoes.
Another was a young boy with blue hair and shoes wearing a white short sleeved shirt and brown vest, along with a watch and short khaki pants and had purplish-grey eyes, another one was much more more bigger or rather rotund than the previous boy with a light brown spiky hair that was mainly pointed to the left, wearing a light green hoodie with half of a what Haruto thought was a orange like bear or cupcake on it as he wore blue and yellow straps to keep his big orange pants up and the shoes being well, impromptu dinosaur feet
There was also a red-headed girl with fair skin, golden eyes and a large multi-colored headband while wearing a short cream t-shirt with a striped pink and red long t-shirt which also consisted of a red skirt and long black socks with brown shoes and had a blue bracelet.
"Haruto, this is Ayu, Sora, Futoshi and Tatsuya, they are also part of You Show. Everyone, this is Haruto." Yuzu introduced each individual and exchanged greetings. "Where's Yuya?" Haruto asked and Yuzu sighed in exasperation. "He ran off somewhere while we were getting ready to set off, we're hoping he's at the stadium already." Yuzu answered in a annoyed tone but there was concern mixed in as well.
"Well, we better get going I suppose?" Haruto suggested and he sat in an empty seat, buckling up as Yuzu done the same as she shut the door, the car started up once again before pulling into the street.
Maiami was certain in full swing of festivities as Haruto saw with each building they passed by. "I've attended tournaments before but never on this scale, it's like a festival!" Haruto thought, the Maiami Championship was even bringing in competitors from around the world, as Maiami CIty was where Solid Vision was developed.
"So, what do you use Haruto? " Ayu shyly asked to break the ice and Haruto turned his head to look at the redhead. "Oh, right, well, I use the Red-Eyes series so I guess you could say I'm more into the old school stuff?" Haruto answered in a unsure tone and Sora perked up after he stopped licking the big pink lollipop he had. "You use something like that?"
Yuzu spoke up. "I wouldn't underestimate Haruto, I saw his style of Duelling which is unlike anything I seen, its much more different compared to any Fusion, Synchro or Xyz user." Yuzu said and Futoshi got in on the conversation too, his eyes beaming. "Really? Why's that?"
"Gemini Summoning." Haruto said and that certainly got the attention of the others. "What's that?" Tatsuya asked in confused and Haruto cupped his chin in thought on how to explain it before responding. "Basically you know how you can Summon a monster to the field? Well, imagine summoning the very same monster on the field again to use it's true abilities, not a duplicate one of course... but I like to surprise people when they see old cards like for example Red-Eyes, I just want to show that even something outdated as that can still be useful in this age." Haruto said with a smile.
"So, how come you are in the Championship?" Tatsuya asked and Haruto reached into his inner jacket pocket to show an invitation. "Got an invitation, you see before I came to live in Maiami, my previous track record of duels where I lived before was good enough for me to qualify along with my father being a card designer, after all this Championship is inviting all kinds of people from all around the world right?" Haruto asked and put the invitation away.
"Which Class are you in then?" Sora asked and Haruto answered. "Junior Youth I believe it was." and Sora nodded. "Great, so that makes Yuya, Yuzu and me your opponents then." Sora said and Haruto gave a grin. "We'll see, you never know what happens in a tournament."
"Lets see those old cards, I'm getting the shivers!" Futoshi said, oddly wiggling side to side in his seat and Haruto found it a bit awkward watching that. "Well, I'd rather not show all of my cards if I'll face Yuya, Yuzu and Sora... but... I can make an exception for some of them." Haruto said, opening his Deck Box and shifted through his Deck to take out a few cards, showing them.
"Wait, you have three Red-Eyes Black Dragons?" Yuzu said in surprise and Haruto nodded in response. "Mhm, compared to the legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon having just four copies in existence, Red-Eyes had more leeway, the Gemini versions are my Red-Eyes are just an update for them, so consider it a mixing of the old and the new." Haruto added with a content expression, looking at the three cards.
"I suppose it is a surprise, most people who have these rare cards are likely stored in collections and nobody does really look twice at something this old but it does bring a smile to my face knowing whenever I duel with them, the reactions I get from my opponents or the audience is enough for me." Haruto said with a smile before reinserting them back in the Deck.
"So there's that kind of person who can bring smiles too..." Yuzu thought in surprise before turning to a happy tone. "Although... I can't help but feel a strange sense of familiarity with Haruto despite only having just met him yesterday? Maybe he's always this easy to get along with?" Before looking out the window, Maiami Stadium homing into view.
-Maiami Stadium-
Haruto looked to the group as he returned from reception, carrying a sign, it seemed Yuya didn't arrive yet and they were just searching for him as everyone reconvened where Sora sat with the You Show Duel School sign. "I called his house and he wasn't there at all," Yuzu said with concerned tone.
"What did you say?" Haruto heard a unfamiliar female voice and turned to notice a fair-skinned young girl of low height with long curly red hair with a purple ribbon tied on top of her head and bright-green eyes. She wore mostly a purple flowing dress, and what appeared to be a white blouse underneath, with a pink ribbon on her collar and a yellow coin-shaped pendant, a pair of white socks and what appeared to be brown sandals but most notably, she was holding with a crystal apple and being well, notably shorter than he was
"Um, who is this?" Haruto asked looking to Yuzu who answered in a irritated tone "You...!" but before she could complete her sentence, she was interrupted by the girl. "Is it true my darling hasn't come back yet?" the girl asked and Yuzu suddenly had unforgiving glare and a bit of a deeper tone. "My... darling?" Yuzu asked the words darling slowly emphasized as Haruto could of sworn the temperature in the room either just raised or lowered significantly around Yuzu.
"Could it be... Darling snuck off to meet my mother and father! Oh my, what a surprise!" The girl said in embarrassment and Haruto saw Yuzu armed with her paper fan and her tone wasn't exactly... polite. "What are you talking about! There's no way that would happen!"
"Yuzu, you might to calm down?" Haruto suggested, placing a hand on her shoulder to which Yuzu's tense body relaxed somewhat and Ayu spoke. "But what should we do? The tournament's opening ceremony is about to start." Ayu said worriedly as the girl pointed at the group. "Don't worry! I'll be able to find where Darling with my fortune telling!"
The girl set down a purple handkerchief before placing her crystal apple on it and chanted. "Darling, Darling, where could you be? Darling... my sweet darling! I found him, he's over there!" The girl pointed in a direction, Yuzu was about to clobber her with the fan until she said that, stopping as if she been hit with the pause button on a remote.
"Erm, are you sure?" Haruto asked in confusion and she answered with confidence. "I'm certain!" as Haruto looked, there was nobody standing in the hallway, what did she mean?
"Well, I suppose we should just wait for him, there's no way he'd miss out on this would he?" Haruto suggested and everyone agreed as they heard murmurs that Yuya wasn't arriving. "I swear if Yuya misses this... I'm going to smack him so hard he'll see more than stars!" Yuzu said, almost ready to break her paper fan until the man himself appeared from the crowd, calling out "Yuzu! Guys!"
Haruto gave a sigh of relief. "Sorry for the wait! " Yuya apologized and Yuzu spoke. "I was so worried about you! Where did you wander off to?!" Yuzu said in a scolding tone, paper fan at the ready, her eyes burning in flames, scowl and all.
"Sorry, i just had something to take care of!" Yuya apologized and continued. "We're entering the stadium soon right? Let's go and line up!" Yuya said as Yuzu looked annoyed. "You really are..." before Yuya bumped into someone's back, Haruto recognized him from anywhere, it was the guy he duelled in the park.
"It's been a while, weakling." Gen said and it seemed Yuya knew this person from what Haruto could tell from the body language and Gen continued. "It was before the tournament but I thought you run away, just like your old man." Gen said and Yuya spoke in annoyance. "What was that?!"
"Listen up, I'll never accept someone like you beat Strong Ishijima. How about I crush you here to prove what a pushover you really are?" Gen said and was almost up in Yuya's face until a hand was on Gen's shoulder. "That's enough Ankokuji Gen!"
"Gongenzaka!" Yuya said in a relieved tone and Gen turned to see Gongenzaka and spoke. "Calling a senior disciple by his name, are we? You must be a real big shot now, Gongenzaka!" and the male named Gongenzaka spoke. "You are no longer my senior!"
There was a rather tense moment before the woman over the intercom spoke. "Will al Duelists please enter the stadium in a moment. All competitors, please line up in front of your respective team placards, singular Duelists are to follow behind the Schools, I repeat..."
"Heh, at least stay in the tournament before I can crush you!" Gen walked away and Haruto got a much more better look at Gongenzaka who had black hair styled into a large pompadour, restrained by a red band, and his nose is somewhat redder than the rest of his face as there was a constant blush on his cheeks. he wore a jacket albeit one that is more of a vest over a buttoned white coat that has golden trim, as well as white pants. there was even a white sash crossed over presumably his back, tied at the left shoulder and lastly he wore heavy sandals rather than shoes, geta he believed the term was for that kind of footwear.
Gongenzaka looked at the retreating Gen. "To think we'd meet him here..." Gongenzaka muttered and Yuya looked to his friend. "Gongenzaka! You qualified for the tournament!" Yuya said with a wide smile and Gongenzaka pointed at himself with his thumb proudly. "Yeah! I the man, Gongenzaka, made the 60% win rate qualification right before the entry deadline!"
"Really! That's great!" The two boys shook hands and Haruto asked out loud. "Is he a friend of yours, Yuya?" Haruto asked and Yuya looked to him. "Oh right, this is Gongenzaka, one of my best friends, I faced him to qualify for the tournament, it was a difficult battle but luckily, he managed to get his third victory after I beat him."
"Really? Well, I'm Makoto Haruto, a pleasure a meet you Gongenzaka." Haruto said with a polite bow and Gongenzaka spoke. "Same to you, Haruto." and Haruto nodded before remembering Yuzu mentioned his name in their Duel. "Oh... So you're the one Yuzu talked about who doesn't play any Action Cards! It's good to see someone is still sticking to the old ways of Duelling!" Haruto said in an appreciative tone and Gongenzaka looked to him.
"Oh? Yuzu mentioned our Dojo's Steadfast Duelling style? This man, Gongenzaka must thank you Yuzu!" Gongenzaka said and Yuzu smiled with her head titled slightly with a bead of sweat forming. "W-Well, not exactly... Haruto only performed his first Action Duel yesterday." Yuzu managed to say.
"Steadfast, what's that? A Duelling School?" Haruto asked and Gongenzaka nodded. "Yes, our school believes in standing strong and being able to take anything our opponents throw at us, however, we cannot move from where we stand as a show of determination, I'd be interested to see what you think of this man, Gongenzaka's Steadfast Duelling is like!"
Haruto nodded before hearing the announcer's blaring tone. "Leading the march is the school that won all of last years classes LDS - Leo Duel School! As a prestigious school that produces many Pro Duelists every year, they have the most entrants this year once again!"
Yuzu and Yuya looked surprised at recognizing someone in particular on the viewing screen. "He's..."/"Why is is he in LDS?" the two said at the same time and Haruto was confused, before looking to the man, he seemed more or less like a loner as he listened to the other team announcements, Ryouzanpaku, a martial arts school and it was the runner up behind LDS, others included Knight of Duels, an international team, a Surprise School as the group started to queue up and Haruto handed his Placard to a young teenage girl wearing the MCS shirt.
Haruto couldn't hear Yuya over the cheers as there was a active girl Idol team, Duel Girls Club and You Show went out next and then the individual invitees like himseld as Haruto stepped out with the girl carrying his placard and he was surprised at the sheer crowd of people and cheers surrounding him.
The stadium was practically filled to the brim with people reaching all the way to the top rows clearly indicating this event was bigger than any other tournament arena he partaken in before, usually they were inside buildings with a capacity of maybe 100 people, not a whole stadium with thousands as the confetti rained down, Haruto took in the whole sight and looked to see the VIP Box, seeing a young man with dark red trimmed glasses, that was Reiji Akaba, everyone knew him and everyone stood in line at the center of the Stadium, listening to who Haruto suspected was the Mayor or the Head Judge about fair play and the rules as Yuya was the unexpected representative of the players by one Nico Smiley, the announcer for the Championship who wore probably the most ugliest yellow pinstripe suit he ever seen.
Yuya's surprised look was all that could be summed in that moment. "Wouldn't they think they'd inform him in advance?" Haruto thought as Yuya went up on the stage and fumbled words for a moment and actually spoke about his father Sakaki Yusho and how he wanted Duels to be more fun and entertaining and everyone clapped in unison.
Haruto looked to his registration card, Smiley said it would lead them to their opponents and it'll update for the next round for victor and Haruto inserted his card into his disk, he briefly saw his information pop up before seeing he was paired up against Bram. "A Knight of Duels?" Haruto wondered in his thoughts as Yuya expressed his surprise. "Sawatari?!"
"My opponent is Masumi?!" Yuzu said, it seemed they were people Yuya and Yuzu knew and Gongenzaka had Ankokuji Gen as his opponent, what were the odds there? Haruto heard that the Junior's were to go first and there was a few Junior Youth duels as Yuzu had hers this afternoon while Yuya and Gongenzaka's were tomorrow and Sora had someone called Kurosaki Shun, a LDS student, it was the one Yuya and Yuzu talking about.
"What about you Haruto?" and Haruto looked to Yuzu and shown his disk. "It's this afternoon." Haruto said and heard a female voice, Masumi apparently her name, he turned to see a black haired girl with tanned skin and Yuzu asked her a question before Haruto could take in the full look of the female student. "Masumi, tell me! Why is Kurosaki Shun an LDS member?"
"What are you talking about? He's been part of our group from the start." Masumi said in confusion and walked away so the day just rolled on by for the morning Duels, Haruto watched Futoshi and Ayu's Duels which they were quite unique, Futoshi used Sketch monsters while Ayu had Aqua Actresses.
When the time came for Haruto's Duel, he was ready to enter the big black arena square and he saw Bram waiting and Smiley spoke up. "Everyone! Thank you for waiting! Now we have Makoto Haruto, a Duelist who uses Gemini monsters versus Bram of the Knight of Duels!" and when Haruto glanced to the screen projector, it had his picture and Bram's up, he did also know Yuya and the others were watching from the stands.
"First up is the Action Field selection! The field card selected randomly is... Gaia Power! Action Field On! Field Magic: Gaia Power activates!" The black glass lit up before the environment changed to a dense forest with a huge tree in the center and and Haruto got ready, raising his left arm with his Duel Disk and Deck ready as did Bram, quoting the same lines Haruto heard for the Action Duels during the day.
Haruto: 4000
Bram: 4000
"I'll go first, I summon Black Stone of Legend in ATK Mode then activate his effect! By sending this card to my Graveyard, I can call upon a Level 7 or lower Red-Eyes monster, so come out out, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Haruto called out and as the Black Stone appeared briefly before in a flash of light, stood the iconic black dragon.
Black Stone of Legend (LV 1/0/0)
Red-Eyes Black Dragon (LV 7/2400/2000)
"That's the Red-Eyes Black Dragon? It looks pretty scary." Ayu said nervously and Sora spoke. "So, that's the fabled Red-Eyes Black Dragon, I'm impressed." Sora said, licking his lollipop and looked over, he did see Shun watched from one of the entrances as he did look surprised. "Oh?" Sora noted as murmurs from the audience were also in clear shock.
"I'll end my turn there." Haruto said and Bram drawn his card. "So, a Dragon user, how unfortunate you must be for fate to make you face against my blade. I activate Cost Down and with it, I discard one card form my hand to reduce a monster's Level in my hand by two." Bram said as he discarded a card, leaving his hand at four.
"Next I activate Double Summon, thanks to this card, I can Normal Summon twice this turn, so to begin... I summon Slash the Assault Knight!" Placing it card down and appearing in a flash of light stood a cyan armored knight with yellow bands on its forearms and wrist while it's helmet was more or less Roman-shaped with one lone red eye peering through the open Y shape hole, in it's right hand was a dark purple lance with a green teardrop crystal and a strangely shaped dark green shield.
Slash the Assault Knight (LV 2/500/500)
"But then I offer my Assault to bring out this Dragon Slayer! Come forth... Buster Blader!" Bram called out Haruto was genuinely surprised evident in his tone and took an instinctive step back. "What?! Buster Blader?!" The monster disappeared and in its place the, iconic dragon slayerr appeared in his dark blue armored with his curved heavy giant sword.
Buster Blader (LV 7/2600/2300 + 1000 = 3600/2300)
Yuzu looked at the monster "Why did that monster just suddenly gain 1000 ATK?" Yuzu asked in confusion and Sora spoke up. "It's probably through his effect I'm guessing." Sora inputted and Shuzo nodded in response as everyone looked to him.. "He's right, Buster Blader is designed to be a monster to take down any Dragon-type monster, especially surpassing even the legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon's 3000 ATK so Haruto is at a definite disadvantage and judging by his reaction, he knows this as well."
"Buster Blader gains 500 ATK for each Dragon you have on the field or in the Graveyard, and since you have two monsters that are of the Dragon-type, attack his Red-Eyes my monster! Brave Buster Slash!" Bram declared as Haruto gasped, watching as Red-Eyes was cut down effortlessly as he was blown back by the explosion, crashing into a tree.
Haruto: 2800
Bram: 4000
"I end my turn with a face down." Bram declared, his hand now at zero and Haruto forced himself up. "This is bad, Buster Blader is practically the nemesis to all Dragon Duelists, I just got to figure out a way to get through this!" Haruto thought and steadied himself. "My turn! Draw!" Haruto looked at his hand.
"Not good, I'll just have to hold on for the time being." Haruto thought and took out a card. "I'll set one monster card face down and end my turn!" Haruto declared as a card appeared before him in face down defense and a blue flame monster in some sort of oval chain appeared to represent the monster.
"My turn, draw." Bram declared, his hand at one. "Buster Blader, vanquish his monster!" Bram called out as the monster leapt forward, slashing through the monster as it was a red horned scaled old man appeared with two wings on his back with the wingspan being black while his upper arms had one circular wristband while his forearms were covered in grey woolen bracelets, his most notable feature was his enormous long beard which probably make him almost akin to Santa Claus himself, his lower half, he wore a grey tunic held up by a thick red cloth and last but certainly not least, his ankles were encased in what appeared to be something similar to huge metal bands with a blue diamond in the centerand Haruto grimaced as Buster Blader's ATK soared even higher.
Keeper of the Shrine (LV 4/0/2100)
Buster Blader (LV 7/4100/2300)
"I end my turn, your dragons shall be easily eliminated by my Buster Blader." Bram stated confidently as Buster Blaster stood close by, wielding his giant weapon effortlessly as Haruto responded. "Then it's my turn!"
Haruto drawn his card, putting his hand back to five and looked to his hand. "Perfect! With this card, it'll show him that even a Dragon can take down a Buster Blader!" Haruto thought in relief before speaking up. "I activate Silver's Cry! With it, I select 1 Normal Dragon-Type Monster that's resting in the Graveyard and Special Summon it, so return to my side, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Haruto said, taking the Red-Eyes Black Dragon card before placing it on his disk In ATK mode, raising his open hand as a flash of light appeared behind him as Red-Eyes reappeared and putting his hand at four as Buster Blader was still at 4100 ATK.
Red-Eyes Black Dragon (LV 7/2400/2000)
"Why is he doing that? His Red-Eyes is just going to get slain again." Sora said in utter bewilderment and Yuzu looked at Haruto before speaking up. "He must have a plan... Haruto." Yuzu said in concern, putting her hands together.
"Next up I'll Normal Summon another Black Stone and use his effect, this time, I'll call forth my Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning!" Haruto called as emerging from a red flash of light came a humanoid similar visage of the Summoned Skull except with notable differences the head was motified after a dragon's with four horns with crimson eyes and it's maw open, revealing a dull orange fire emanating while its entire body was shaded in purple with a black scaled exoskeleton and white bone ribcage interconnected with the tops of it's shoulders to the front of its chest, not only that but the hands and legs were more or less like a three clawed dragon forearms and feet, lastly attached to its back was the familiar wingspan of a dragon's with the edges black while the wingspan was dark red.
Black Stone of Legend (LV 1/0/0)
Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning (LV 6/2500/1200)
Bram spoke up, pointing to the new monster. "It's futile! You just increased my Buster Blader's ATK points so that is an additional 500!" Bram said and Buster Blader's ATK did not rise any higher. "What!? But your monster is a Red-Eyes!" Bram said and Haruto spoke as he waved a finger at Bram. "Who said my new monster was a Dragon? Take a good look at his name, he's an Archfiend so therefore means he's a Fiend type! Now, I'll show you that even a Buster Blader can be taken down with the power of teamwork! I activate Gift of the Martyr! By sending my Archfiend to the Graveyard, his strength gets added to Red-Eyes's until the end of this turn!" Haruto stated as Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lighting disappeared, leaving a pale ghostly form of itself before merging with Red-Eyes Black Dragon who let off a roar at it's ATK increased by 2500 and Haruto's hand at two.
Red-Eyes Black Dragon (LV 7/4900/2000)
"Take it away Red-Eyes, use the strength passed on by our comrade! Inferno Fire Blast!" Haruto called out as Red-Eyes let loose a big fireball and it connected with Buster Blader who let out a cry before being enveloped in the fire, it's sword flying in the air before stabbing into the ground then shattering.
Haruto: 2800
Bram: 3200
"I'll end my turn there and Red-Eyes's ATK returns to normal." Haruto stated and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in as did Yuya and the others as murmurs were shared about Buster Blader's defeat. "My turn! Draw!"
"I activate this, Duel! We are both forced to draw from our decks until we each hold six cards in our hand!" Bram said as the two drawn until they each had six cards. "I activate my face down Trap! Destruction Sword Memoires! With this card, all I have to do just discard 1 'Destruction Sword' card and with it, I can call forth a Buster Blader from my Deck!" Bram called and Haruto took a step back.
"Another Buster Blader?!" Haruto asked in surprise and Bram spoke. "Not just any Buster Blader, after undergoing rigorous training to defeat those vile Dragons, he improved himself, I call upon Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster!" Haruto watched as Buster Blader's sword, albeit more streamlined, came flying out of the card and into the ground before the ground erupted with an all new Buster Blader, his mouth being visible and his armour more streamlined as well.
Buster Blader, the Destruction Swordmaster (LV 7/2600/2300)
"Huh it's ATK didn't increase from my Dragons?" Haruto thought in confusion and Bram continued. "My Swordmaster attacks your Red-Eyes!" Bram declared as the newly formed Buster Blader delivered a slash as Haruto crossed his arms to brace himself as Red-Eyes met its end once more. "Red-Eyes!" Haruto managed to call out, managing to keep himself form being blown back again.
Haruto: 2600
Bram: 3200
"Now my Swordmaster's effect activates, when he destroys a monster and sends it to the Graveyard, he can equip that monster!" Bram said and Haruto looked as Red-Eyes Black Dragon was pulled from the ground and then chained on his opponent's side of the field. "I activate Keeper of the Shrine's effect! If he's in my Graveyard when a Dragon-type monster is destroyed, I can revive him so come back in DEF mode!" Haruto called as the humanoid old man reappeared that defended him previously.
Keeper of the Shrine (LV 4/0/2100)
"I end my turn." Bram stated and Haruto breathed. "So he can equip my monsters when he destroys them... I'll have to be careful, but at least his new Buster Blader isn't getting any stronger with the power boost." Haruto thought with a sense of relief and drawn his card. "I draw!"
"I better keep my defense up, if I screw up now I'll be out of this tournament and who knows what kind of ability that new Buster Blader has if it can take my monsters." Haruto thought and spoke. "I set one card face down to end my turn." Haruto said as a back row card appeared behind the old man while Bram spoke. "I draw!"
"It's time to end this battle, I activate Swordmaster's effect, if he has a monster equipped to him,. I can send it to the Graveyard and destroy all monsters associtated with that type, so that means your Keeper won't be around any longer to defend you!" Bram declared as Buster Blader literally swung his sword in a circular motion, destroying the chained Red-Eyes and with the momentum, let out a huge gust of wind that shattered Keeper of the Shrine effortlessly.
"Oh no! Haruto's going to lose if he takes this attack!" Yuzu said worryingly as Bram pointed at Haruto. "Buster Blader, The Destruction Swordmaster, attack his life points directly! Slay the Dragon Master!" with Haruto looking before pressing a button. "Sorry, but your Swordmaster will have to take a break, I activate my Trap, Counter Gate!" Haruto said as the sword was inches away from making contact before a set of double doors opened up.
"Allow me to explain what Counter Gate does, it allows me negate your attack and draw 1 card, if that card is a monster, I can Normal Summon it in ATK mode!" Haruto said and placed a hand on his deck, eyes closed. "I need your help here... please!" Haruto thought and drawn before looking to see what it was before looking as he smiled and continued. "Alright! I call out Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight In ATK mode!"
From the double doors emerged a black armoured warrior with grey edge plating as the joints of his elbows, shoulders, legs and ankles were varying sizes of red spheres with his right arm being practically a long curved blade while his right bore a shield that was seemingly attached as there was no hands, just grafted onto metal appendages like robot, most notably the warriors mouth revealed him to be very dark grey like skin while a helmet covered the rest of his head, his red eyes gleaming as he let out a battle cry, parrying Buster Blader's weapon, staggering the monster before it leapt back as the two Warriors stood in front of their masters.
Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight (LV 4/1800/1600)
"A knight aiding a Dragon user? Impossible! I'll end my turn with a face-down." Bram stated, his hand at five and Haruto drawn his next card, looking to his hand of seven and to Gearfried. "Thanks, you saved me there now let's show this guy we mean business huh?" Haruto said and gotten a nod from Gearfried.
"Okay, time to take your Swordmaster down! I equip Gearfied with this card, Megamorph!" Haruto stated as Gearfried was bathed in a red aura, letting out a cry as Haruto continued. "Here's what it does, since my LP are lower than yours, my Gearfried's ATK doubles, so that a grand total of 3600! Take it away Gearfried, Iron Red Slash!" Haruto called out.
Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight (LV 4/3600/1600)
Gearfried crouched down and shot forward like a bullet as he raised his right arm with the appendage that held his blade as Buster Blader's sword with it in attempt to defend itself but the sword was cut through before meeting Buster Blader's body with a slash .
Haruto: 2600
Bram: 2200
"You may have taken my warrior down but with that act, your Gearfried is severely weakened!" Bram said confidently as Gearfried returned looking exhausted as Haruto looked to his monster..
Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight (LV 4/900/1600)
"Why did Gearfried lose its ATK like that?" Ayu asked Shuzo and Shuzo looked to her and the others who were just as puzzled as Sora looked to the field. "Megamorph is a strong Equip card however, Haruto said Gearfried's ATK is only doubled when his LP are lower than his opponent's, the drawback of the card is that if Haruto's LP are higher, that monster's ATK is instead cut in half." Shuzo explained and Futoshi looked concerned, looking to the field, hand over his mouth.
"That's not giving me the shivers... why would Haruto do that?" Futoshi asked and Tatsuya looked contemplative. "Maybe Haruto's hand isn't a good one so he knew he had to take a risk." Tatsuya stated thoughtfully.
Haruto spoke. "Did I forget to mention my Gearfried has a ability? After the Battle Phase, I activate it so first, I destroy any Equip Cards Gearfried's equipped!" Haruto called out as Gearfried let loose a battle cry and looked ready to fight once again. "That's not all he's done, with his battle cry, it resonates with his fellow allies who have been retired so now the time has come! Red-Eyes Black Dragon returns to the field from my Graveyard! Red Calling!"
A flash of light appeared behind Gearfried before the iconic legendary black dragon hovered behind it, letting out it's signature cry before flapping its wings fly beside Gearfried.
Gearfried the Red-Eyes Iron Knight (LV 4/1800/1600)
Red-Eyes Black Dragon (LV 7/2400/2000)
"Red-Eyes is back!? B-But... how?" Bram stammered in disbelief and Haruto continued. "Gearfried has the ability to revive 1 Red-Eyes Normal Monster in my Graveyard by destroying a Equip Card and now I'll set two cards face-down and end my turn." Haruto stated and two cards appeared in front of him as the air was tense and Yuzu put a hand to her chest.
"He scared me there, I thought he'd lose." Yuzu said in relief and Sora spoke. "He's actually coping rather well despite the advantage that guy has and evened it out, question is, what will he do now?" Sora asked aloud as the same question was everyone else- No, that wasn't right, the audience's minds.
Haruto: 2600
Bram: 2200
Bram drawn his sixth card. "Impressive, you are a rather formidable foe to survive against the Swordmaster, I never thought I'd have to resort to bringing out this card but it's for me and my comrades to advance in this tournament, I activate Monster Reborn and the card I choose to bring back is... Buster Blader!"
Buster Blade leapt out from the card, shouldering its hefty blade before glowing. "And right now you have Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Keeper of the Shrine and two Black Stones of Legend, so that gives my Buster Blader 2000 ATK!"
Buster Blader (LV 7/4600/2300)
"4600 ATK points!? That's just..." Shuzo said in surprise as Bram continued on. "That's not all.. I must go all out, I activate form my hand... Destruction Swordmaster Fusion! I fuse Buster Whelp of the Destruction Swordsman with the Buster Blader on my field" Bram stated as a small white furred winged dragon with distinctive blue eyes and Buster Blader rose together in a fusion vortex of swords.
"Master of the sword! Become one with your whelp to bring forth a new power! Fusion Summon! Arise! Buster Blader, The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman!"
Haruto watched as a new Buster Blader emerged the armour of Buster Blader's usual black and grey form with yellow trims was now replaced with the outer body was pearly white and glistening with a polished sheen, the inner parts of it's armor a dark blue much like his hands and legs and head and his sword was much different, flowing with incredible power as it stabbed it's blade into the ground, one hand gripping the hilt.
Buster Blader, The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman (LV 8/2800/2500)
"This new LIGHT form gains 1000 ATK for every Dragon you control on your field or in your Graveyard, I count Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Keeper of the Shrine and the two Stones of Legend so that gives my Dragon Destroyer 4000 ATK points!" Bram declared as Buster Blader was bathed within a white aura, pulling it's weapon out as Haruto was surprised, his jaw dropped. "WHAT?!" Haruto cried out in disbelief.
Buster Blader, The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman (LV 8/6800/2500)
Bram continued. "I change your Red-Eyes Black Dragon to DEF mode with his effect!" and Haruto looked as Red-Eyes raised its front claws up a bit to indicate it was in defending itself and that confused Haruto.
"But why, if he's in DEF mode, you won't be able to deal any damage to my life points?" Haruto asked and Bram smiled. "Under the eyes of this destroyer, all Dragon's cower in fear of his mastery with the blade and when those Dragons are in DEF mode, their effects cannot activate, also when he battles a monster in DEF, you'll take the difference in damage, so attack and win this battle Buster Blader! Ultimate Bravery Slash!" Bram called out as the sword wielder grasped its weapon in both hands and came charging at a breakneck speed.
"If Haruto takes this attack... he'll lose... how much...?" Futoshi asked and started to count his fingers but Tatsuya beat him to the answer with the answer. "That's 4800 damage!" and Futoshi clapped his hands over his face. "Oh no! But that means...!" and Yuzu cried out "Do something Haruto!" and Yuya spoke under his breath. "Come on Haruto, you can survive this right?" He asked quietly and Gongenzaka spoke. "If he's a man, he'll survive this attack!"
"I activate my Trap card! Durability! When a Dragon-Type monster is attacked, I can halve the ATK of Red-Eyes and in turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle and both players take no damage until the end of this turn!" Haruto said as Red-Eyes caught the sword in it's maw and let loose a firey breath as Buster Blader leapt back.
"Whew, that was close..." Haruto said, wiping the sweat from his brow as Yuya and company did as well. "You may of survived that move, but it's just a matter of time, I end my turn" Bram stated.
Haruto placed a hand on his deck. "Okay 6800 ATK to deal with...but he can negate any Dragon's effect... I hope there's something in here that can help me." Haruto thought and spoke. "My turn draw!" Haruto looked at the sixth card and his eyes widened a bit. "This is... I see... let's go!" Haruto stated in surprise before turning confident.
"Your Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordmaster has one fatal flaw Bram and I'll show you! First I activate Swing of Memories! I bring back my Red Eyes Archfiend of Lightning! However, in exchange, he'll be destroyed at the End Phase but that's all I need! Your Dragon Destroyer cannot negate a Fiend's effect and just to show you, I equip my Red-Eyes with a little partner, Black Metal Dragon from my hand! It increases my Archfiend's ATK by 600!" A small black metal dragon appeared and attached itself upon Archfiend to Lightning's shoulder as it's power increased.
Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning (LV 6/3000/1200/Equipped with Black Metal Dragon +500 ATK)
"Now, I Summon my Archfiend with a Gemini Summon to activate his ability, monsters that my opponent controls, if their DEF is less than my Archfiend's ATK, they get destroyed, so take it away Archfiend!" Haruto called out as dark clouds formed over Buster Blader before lighting struck, making contact with the Dragon Destroyer as it was reduced to a crisp, leaving nothing behind.
"Impossible... the ultimate knight... destroyed?" Bram asked in utter disbelief and Haruto pointed at Bram. "I switch Red-Eyes Black Dragon back to ATK Mode now.. Gearfried and Red-Eyes Black Dragon along with Archfiend of Lightning! End this duel with triple attack!" Haruto called out as Red-Eyes gathered a fireball in its maw and fire as Archfiend of Lightning let loose another lightning strike with Gearfried closing in with a charging thrust.
"Not so fast! This duel is far from over! I activate my face-down card! Call of the Haunted! I target my Buster Blader who rests in my Graveyard, return to my side and absorb the power of the dragons!" Bram called out as the ground erupted and the iconic Buster Blader returned, ready with sword at his side to counterattack.
Buster Blader (LV 7/4600/2300)
"Now your Gearfied whose attacking first will be your downfall" Bram called out and Ayu's eyes widened. "Oh no and Haruto can't call off his attack!" Ayu called out and Haruto moved a hand over his Duel Disk. "Sorry Bram but I still have one face-down card left to play! I activate the Trap, Enhanced Counter!" Gearfried's sword connected with Buster Blaster's as the two wielders refused to back down before Gearfied's sword shattered and he was struck down. and Bram looked at Haruto's LP which remained unchanged. "You should of taken 2800 points of damage and lost the Duel!" Bram called out.
Haruto: 2600
Bram: 2200
Haruto smiled and answered. "Yes, I would of but my Trap Card saved me for you see, Enhanced Counter allows me to negate the Battle Damage I would of taken and transfer all of that damage to one Monster I control so I targeted Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning to receive that power up!" Haruto called out as Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning let out a shrill cry.
Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning (LV 6/5800/1200) (Powered-Up with Black Metal Dragon +500 & Enhanced Counter +2800)
"Now, Archfiend, attack Buster Blaster with Crimson Lightning Strike!" Haruto called out as Archfiend of Lightning gathered up red electricity before it condensing into its claws as it raised its arms, shooting the discharged lightning at Buster Blader who let out a groan of pain before breaking apart as Bram was blown back the explosion.
Haruto: 2600
Bram: 1000
"Now, time to end this Duel, Red-Eyes Black Dragon... attack Bram with Inferno Fire Blast!" Haruto called out as Red-Eyes Black Dragon reared its head back before letting loose a crimson red fireball at Bram who tried to shield himself as it made contact, the Action Field dissipating as did the monsters ended, a pause hanging in the air before cheers erupted from the crowd as Haruto breathed deeply.
"Whoa, I'm shaking." Haruto said, noticing his hand was trembling as Bram fallen to his knees in defeat. "I'm sorry my comrades... I have been slain..." Bram muttered to himself as Haruto turned to walk back to the stands but he lost his footing before falling over on his knees.
"Hey there, you won." A familiar voice said as he looked to see someone's feet then looked up to see it was Yuzu smiling as she offered her hand which Haruto took it and and let himself be pulled up for a briefest moment, his ring and Yuzu's bracelet shone for a moment. "I did, didn't I?" Haruto asked, looking back to see Bram walking off and Yuzu's opponent, Masumi was coming onto the field.
"Yeah, It's my turn now, so cheer me on." Yuzu said and Haruto nodded, letting go of Yuzu's hand and walking to the stands where Yuya and the others were as he flexed his hand that held Yuzu's. "That was a relief and a half..." Haruto thought before taking his seat.
"You did great Haruto, you really had us going there for a moment!" Yuya said with a smile and Haruto chuckled lightly. "I think my legs turned to jelly, I never thought playing for all these people would happen... I was so nervous!" Haruto said sheepishly, rubbing a hand behind his head and Gongenzaka responded with a smile. "You were truly a great man despite the odds! You advanced to the next round!"
Haruto looked to him. "So long as my future opponents doesn't have Buster Blader, I'll be happy." Haruto said sheepishly and looked at the field to start watching Yuzu and Masumi's Duel.
Kurosaki looked from where he stood, staring at Haruto. "He uses Red-Eyes... Red-Eyes... just like Ruri's own eyes..." Kurosaki thought, he was actually impressed with the Duel and in the VIP Box, Reiji stared. "He shown he can adapt and didn't shy away from the disadvantages he had to face, perhaps he can become a Lancer." Reiji thought as he pushed his glasses up.
And that's Chapter 3 with some definite improvements! In the original and I hate to be embarrassed by it but in the original fic, I thought Action Fields gave the same effect as Field Spells... how badly wrong I was and this Duel especially being on my mind because of that mistake, wlel the only mistake with an Action Field.
I also took the liberty of expanding this Duel to go on a bit longer along with some other interactions, especially with the ending part Kurosaki's thoughts since in the original he thought of Rin using Red-Eyes as at the time that Chapter was done, nobody knew what Rin or Ruri's decks were at the time or even what they looked like, I will say this however, Chapters 4 to 6 will be somethign entirely new but also old that never happened in the original fanfic, I'm taking the liberty of writing the Masumi vs. Yuzu, Gongenzaka vs Gen and Sawatari vs Yuya matches for these reasons.
I want this Redux to address the missed Maiami Championship Duels since they are vital to the said main character's growth but also, have Haruto see first-hand how they duel and his reactions to it, since these are going to be mostly canon Duels, i expect I won't get much reviews for them but it does make the story feel more complete with such Duels, at the time of this Chapter was rewritten, Masumi vs Yuzu is done and that'll be uploaded next Sunday as I am in the middle of writing the second match, depending on real life stuff or gaming, the second match may be Sunday after Yuzu's match or in two weeks, same with Yuya vs Sawatari since it's a quite a slog writing from the canon episode to document with not so much creative imagination like what was written in this chapter or the previous one but hey, if it makes the story feel more complete, then it's a hell I'm willing to walk into.
But don't worry, I'll try and not stick too closely to canon like in the original, after all, I got the daunting task of getting Rin and Ruri rescued much earlier than they were canonically rescued among some other ideas I have written down to make the Redux feel a bit more oomph, especially with the voting results hahaha...
Before I end this Chapter, I also want to take this time to once again, thank everyone for their votes and hope there's no hard feelings on the outcome being the Harem Route, I know some of you are against such a thing and likely won't want to read such a story, I understand everyone ahs their own preferences, if the Harem Route isn't your thing and if you so choose to quit this story because of that then by all means, you are welcome to leave as you are all entitled to your own opinion on pairings but I would like to ask please be open-minded and perhaps try to continue reading at your own leisure if possible, I'm not forcing or begging, just making a simple request which you don't have the obligation to follow through with.