Ryu: *Yawn* Man, that fight was intense.

Ryu was out of the shower in pajamas, while Blaze hopped onto Ryu's bed, curling onto his pillow.

Blaze: Even if it was by you, I can't remember that last time I was completely destroyed in battle.

Ryu: Yeah, I know.

Ryu plopped into bed turning off the light. Blaze immediately went to sleep afterwards, but Ryu still was awake, simply thinking.

Ryu: 'I beat Gao this time, but it was actually a struggle. He got some lucky draws, but I'm not too clear of it either.'

He remembered drawing the three cards he needed to secure his victory.

Ryu: 'If I didn't draw Blaze, it might've been game over for me. Gao's just gonna get better. And not just him.'

He continued to stare at his ceiling, seeing Gao, Tetsuya, Zanya, Kiri, Karma, Tasuku, and Azure.

Ryu: 'Everyone is gonna improve more too. Come to think of it, I haven't battled Azure when he's giving all he's got. Adamantine Desolation still has tricks I don't know about. I don't doubt I can win much, but how am I gonna keep this lead.'

He closed his eyes starting to drift to sleep.

Ryu: 'What can Blaze and I do to grown even more?'

TIME SKIP!!

The next day, all the fighters from the ABC Cup, aside from Shido Zanya and Genma, gathered in a room for the celebration of Team Rage, and the Buddyfight presentation of Kiri.

Kiri: Now that we have the more known monster of the world out of the way, now let's talk about the special cards of some worlds we've seen in the ABC Cup! I'm of course referring to the monsters of the winners, Team Rage!! And up first, we've got the Armor Demons from Danger World!!

Karma: That'd be mine!

Images appeared on a screen.

Kiri: Danger World is one of my personal favorites, but some of the most phenomenal cards are the Armor Demons. They're all around better monsters than the Standard Armorknight monsters. Monsters like Armor Demon Ogre and Armor Demon Eagle fall under that category! They're superior to their normal versions for sure, but usually get the same treatment for certain cards.

A video played.

Karma: I quip: Savage Spear!!

Armor Demon Eagle: WHY?!!

Karma giggled sheepishly when seeing the crude tactic.

Ryu: Different type, same results.

Doai: Sadly.

Azure: Casual Danger World.

Karma: I mean I at least let him attack sometimes! But aside from that, Demon Eagles sacrifices are worth it for Savage Spear.

Kiri: True! An Item with 8000 Power, 2 Critical, and Penetrate is really good! Next with the powered up monsters, there's Dragon Demon Ghael Khan!!

The monster appeared with a roar.

Kiri: By paying the same cost as the original, the fierce Demon Khan can be summoned to the field. An added bonus aside from power, when he's destroyed, the fighter gains gauge equal to his size!

Karma: Wow Kiri, you really paid attention to these fights. I'm impressed! But, let's not forget my Buddy right here!!

They all looked at Talon who was on the girls lap resting, and then opening an eye.

Kiri: Definitely not! By paying 3 Gauge, when talon is summoned to the field, not only does the Buddy Gift restore a life, but you get back another 5! He can also do Penetrate Damage as well!

Ryu: That, and there's Also Demon Wolves War Cry.

Azure: You may not have used it in the Cup, but that spell can turn a game around. It adds 2000 power and 1 Critical to all cards on your field if Talon is out.

Karma: My personal favorite combo!

Kiri: And we can't forget your amazing Impact Card!! Truth be told, we still don't know much about it since it was used pretty fast.

Karma: I'll keep that little secret to myself.

She looked the side, before winking.

Kiri: Now we can get to the Dragon King's Deck from Ancient World!!

Azure: Oh, I'm up.

Kiri: So far, not a lot is known about it! Only 4 monsters have been seen from your deck Azure. But as expected from any Ancient World deck, that's all you need to completely decimate your opponents! Outside the ABC cup you went toe to toe with Ryu, and beat 6 other people before your match against Suzuha in the ABC Cup!

Azure: I call Hellish Blizzard Dragon!!

Kiri: Hellish Blizzard Dragon is a real problem on the field and even after being destroyed! Once that happens, the cost of your cards is decreased by the number of monsters attacked the turn it was destroyed! And then there's Blue Tempest Dragon, who's effect hasn't really been used much either.

Azure: Yeah that stays in my bag of tricks.

Kiri: Next we have the extraordinary item Dragon Kings Blade Arondight!! The cost is 3 Gauge, and you need to have 1 Size 3 Monster in your drop zone and your hand. It's effectively the opposite of Caliburn since when an attack is blocked, you get 1 extra life point!

Azure: I don't like to showboat, but I've got a pretty awesome Buddy.

A light filled the room, confusing everyone. However a moment later, a small bluish dragon appeared over Azure's head.

???: Thank you partner.

Gao: A-ADAMANTINE?!!

Adamantine: In the flesh.

Blaze: OH AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! YOU ACTUALLY DID IT!!!! YOU CAN IN MINIATURIZED FORM!!!!

Blaze collapsed onto the ground in laughter.

Adamantine: -_- Shut up.

Kiri: I could never forget about Adamantine! He's a gigantic Size 3 Monster, and an even bigger problem when he's on the field! With 10000 power and defense, the ability to direct attacks against the center to him, he's the perfect monster to battle using Item Cards! And let's not forget when he's destroyed, just like Duel Sieger he can come back in an evolved form!

Dragon King Adamantine Desolation appeared on the screen, with everyone still marveling.

Kiri: Adamantine Desolation get's another 2 Soul Cards, but this time his power and defense are all increased by 1000! So if you had a tough time before, get ready before an even bigger headache!

Adamantine: It's not really an evolved form, it's more like I'm releasing a binding on my power. Evolution would be much more drastic.

Suzuha: I don't like to brag, but I'm not exactly the easiest Buddyfighter to beat. Azure AND his Buddy are quite the power duo.

She ate a Takoyaki ball with a smile.

Kiri: And last but not least, the Leader of team Rage! Ryu and his Hellfire Dragons!!

An image of Ryu battling Jin appeared on the screen.

Kiri: The Hellfire Dragons from Dragon World are without a doubt the toughest and most extreme monsters you'll ever battle! We haven't seen any size 0 or 1 monsters, but often enough they're not needed at all! That's because of Dragon Emperor's Kingdom! By paying Gauge, you can increase the size cap to 6! This allows you to call 2 size 3 monsters at once, allowing the Triple Offensive Maneuver to have to possibility of ending a match in a single turn!! Then we have monsters like Hellfire Dragon Sage. By sacrificing himself and paying 1 Gauge, he can reduce the cost of items to 0, but at the cost of being unable to attack the turn after. Then General Inferno and Meteor Hell Dragon!

Ryu: General Inferno's defeat allows my other monsters to gain 2000 Defense, and with Meteor if I have Gauge, I can use it all up to get a Set Spell.

Kiri: Next we have the Item called Emperor's Hell Blade Caliburn!! An item with a cost of 3 Gauge and a card from the top of the deck! Whenever it's attack is stopped, the opposing fighter is dealt 1 damage!

Ryu: Sage helps a lot, but I think we all know the Card I can count on the most.

Blaze: Oh flatterer.

Kiri: Of course!! Chaotic Emperor Blaze Dragon!! Ryu's Buddy Monster, and undeniably the most powerful monster in his deck!! Size 3, with 10000 Power, 8000 Defense, and a Critical of 3!! Blaze is the emperor of the Hellfire Dragons, who every monster in Ryu's deck backs up! He has 3 Soul Cards, the most of any monster we've talked about today! Each time one is destroyed, he gains even more power! When the first 2 are destroyed, he gets 1000 Power, but loses 1000 defense for each of them. And when all of his Souls are gone, Blazing Overdrive happens, increasing his Critical to 4!! The downside is that his defense drops to 0.

Ryu: It sucks, but with Move, and also Double Attack, that makes up for it.

Kiri: And last but not least, Ryu's finishing card!!

Ryu: COLOSSUS!!!! PUNISHER!!!!!

Kiri: The Ultra Rare Impact Card no one else in the world has or can use! Colossus Punisher deals 5 damage and 4 Gauge, Colossus Punisher can only be used when Dragon Emperor's Kingdom is in play!

Ryu: It can be a real pain to get off, but it's a win whenever I do.

He smiled at Blaze pulling out the Impact Card.

Ryu: This card is pretty special in more ways then the rarity.

Kiri: That concludes my presentation! Hope you all enjoyed!

Everyone clapped for the boy, with Ryu getting up and giving him a thorough slap on the back.

Ryu: You didn't miss a thing Kiri!! You trying to take Kuguru's job as an analyst?

Kuguru: HUH?!!

Kiri: WHAT?!! No no!!

Ryu: Ha, I'm just messing with you man!! Everyone's gotta pay attention to important details like that! Outside or in a fight!

Azure: Speaking of fight's.

Azure stood up, walking in front of Ryu.

Azure: It's about time we have our rematch Ryu.

Everyone was shocked by this. All except Ryu.

Ryu: So, you're finally making your move huh?

Azure: The ABC cup is over, so now's as good of a time as any.

Ryu heard this, before smirking.

Ryu: Alright, you're on.

They went outside, with Ryu and Azure activating their Buddy Skills, taking to the air.

Ryu: I'll burn you down until you're a crisp!! Hellfire Dragons Plus: Luminize!!

Ryu summoned his Core Gadget Gauntlet.

Azure: Shake the Earth with you're Immense Power! Dragon Kings: Luminize!!

Azure's core Gadget Great Sword was hauled over his shoulder.

Ryu&Azure: Let's Raise the Flag!!

Ryu: Dragon World!!!

Ryu swung his flag with Blaze roaring.

Azure: Ancient World!!!

Azure as well swung his flag, with Adamantine roaring in return. They stuck their flags into the ground looking at each other.

Ryu: Charge and Draw!!

Ryu looked at the cards in his hand.

Ryu: 'Alright, this works pretty well.' Let's start this off right. Call Hell Ash Dragon to the Right!!

He called the burning Dragon his right.

Ryu: Like Usual, I get a Gauge and a Card in my hand.

A card from the top of his deck was turned into Gauge, with Ryu getting a Card.

Ryu: Now, I cast Hellfire Charge!!

Hell Ash was destroyed, with Ryu's Gauge increasing to 9.

Ryu Life: 9

Ryu: Now with 2 Gauge and Volcanic Hell Dragon: I Call Hellfire Dragon General Inferno to the Center!!

The General of the fearsome dragons appeared in front of Ryu.

General: Even you will not easily best us Azure.

Ryu: Now attack Azure!!

The general prepared to swing his Blade down on Azure.

Azure: I use the effect of Kings Shield Dragon!!

Azure grabbed a card from his hand, as a large white dragon in silver armor appeared, guarding against the attack with a shield of energy, shocking everyone.

Gao: What the heck?!!

King Shield: You won't lay a finger on this one.

Ryu: King's Shield Dragon?!

Azure: If I'm attacked, I can use King's Shield Dragon to nullify the attack.

Karma: He's never used that one before!

Ryu: So you had a bad hand last time.

Azure: Nah, just one I couldn't fully make use of at the time. I don't have those.

End of Move

Suzuha: I wonder what exactly we'll see from the Dragon Kings today.

Azure: Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Azure looked at the cards in his hand, before closing his eyes.

Azure: Alright, this'll do. With 3 Gauge, I Equip Dragon King's Blade Arondight!!

The shining sword appeared in Azure's hand, as he stuck his Core Gadget into the ground.

Azure: Alright, Rise and Fall of Dragons!!

Azure Life: 8

Azure's Life decreased by 2, however his gauge had increased by 4.

Azure: Now, Dragon Emperor's Legend.

With that, Azure's Gauge, Life, and Amount of cards in his hand increased by 1.

Azure Life: 9

Gao: Now he's got 5 Gauge.

Azure: Buddy Call Dragon King Adamantine to the Right!!

Azure payed 3 Gauge as Adamantine flew to the right.

Jin: Can we just remember that this is all on his first turn?

Tetsuya: Man, Azure's got some wicked skills!!

Asmodai: To be honest, I don't think we've seen anything from the big guy yet.

Tetsuya: Whatcha mean by that A-Dog?

Karma: He's right. Azure's just setting up the stage.

Azure: Now, I activate the effect of King's Arcane Dragon in my hand!

A spectral looking Dragon equivalent to Adamantine in the appeared on the field in front of him.

Arcane: You need my assistance once again masters?

Azure: You know it?

Adamantine: We can't hold a single thing back here.

Arcane: Very well.

The dragon glowed, before turning into 2 Gauge.

Ryu: What?!

Azure: That's Arcane's Effect. When he's in my hand, I can send him into the drop zone to turn him into 2 Gauge.

Suzuha: So now he's up to 4.

Ryu: 'Adamantine Desolation definitely is gonna make an appearance.'

Azure: I attack General Inferno with Arondight!!

He flew in, before slashing the General in two. This however caused the spirit of the General to be sent upwards.

Azure: Now for Double Attack!!

Azure appeared in front of Ryu, as the fighter then had to think in a split second.

Ryu: 'Screw it, gotta take this one!'

He put his arms up, taking the full brunt of the attack.

Ryu Life: 7

Azure: Adamantine, you're up!!

Adamantine went to attack Ryu, however he had something up his metaphorical sleeve.

Ryu: I cast: Green Dragon Shield!!

The attack was blocked, while Ryu gained a Life.

Azure: Time for a Double Attack!!

Adamantine: Dragon Furry Assault!!

Adamantine began to strike Ryu with a barrage of blows.

Ryu Life: 6

End of Move

Ryu: Blaze, ready to rock?

Blaze: You know it.

Ryu: Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Ryu's Gauge was brought to 8, as he brought out a card with 3 Gauge and a card from his deck being used.

Ryu: Emperor's Hell Blade: Caliburn!!

He grabbed Caliburn, as the chains broke.

Ryu: Buddy Call!! Blaze, to the Right!!

Blaze roared, as he flew into the right position.

Ryu Life: 7

Ryu: And now.

He picked a card from his hand using 2 Gauge.

Ryu: Emperor Slash!!

Baku: If he has an Item, Emperor's Slash can destroy any monster on the field.

He swung Caliburn, letting a black wave of flames go towards Adamantine, before destroying him. With Soul Guard however, he was brought back.

Kiri: Why would he do that?

Karma: Because Adamantine Desolation has Soul Guard too. The sooner he takes out regular Adamantine, the better.

Gao: I don't know...

Everyone looked at Gao.

Gao: Something is just telling that Azure wanted that to happen.

Ryu: Now I attack Adamantine with Caliburn!!

Ryu flew in, before blocking on of Adamantine's blows with Caliburn, and then flipping upright, running up the fist and then cutting the head of the dragon off. Once again however, Adamantine had returned.

Ryu: Take him down Blaze!!

Blaze and Adamantine rammed their skulls into one another,

Blaze: Think you can beat us in round two do you?!

Adamantine: Azure and I don't lose twice in a row when we know our opponent!

Unknown to everyone aside from Adamantine, Blaze's eyes glowed in a blue light, as the Ancient World Dragon was slowly pushed back.

Adamantine: 'What in the?!'

Blaze lifted his head before opening his mouth.

Blaze: Burning Hell Stream!!!

The blue flames came out, incinerating Adamantine. As Azure's life began to drop, it glowed Blue with everyone watching.

Drum: Here it comes!

Azure: Time to get serious. Second Awakening!!

Azure held up a card, with 3 Gauge going into it.

Azure: DRAGON KING ADAMANTINE: DESOLATION!!!!

Talon: I suggest we all get down.

Adamantine reappeared in his true form, roaring with everyone covering their ears.

Ryu: Man, I still can't believe how much you held out.

Ryu smirked getting ready to attack once more.

Ryu: Blaze, do a Link Attack with me on Adamantine!!

Blaze and Ryu went in about to attack. Azure smirked however, as soon as they neared Adamantine, a blue light appeared, blocking them.

Ryu: What?!

King's Shield Dragon had appeared, guarding against the two, much to their shock.

Azure Life: 6

End of Move

Ryu: What just happened?!

Azure: An effect of Adamantine Desolation. With certain cards in the drop zone, I can pay 3 life to activate them. King's Shield Dragon can allow Adamantine to be protected from destruction by a Link attack higher than 11000.

Everyone didn't believe what they saw, looking up at Azure.

Azure: Sad thing is, Adamantine will lose 4000 power and 2 critical this turn.

Ryu: 'Okay, still in this.'

Azure: Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Gao: Right now Adamantine can only deal 1 Damage by attacking Ryu directly. Even if he has Double Attack with Arondight and Desolation, that's still only 6 damage. And I'm betting Ryu has a card in hand to help reduce that.

Gao shook a bit.

Gao: So why do I feel like Azure's about to bring an even bigger play out?

Azure picked a card up from his hand.

Azure: I said Adamantine would lose 4000 power and 2 Critical, but I didn't say for how long. There's another monster I can use Adamantine's effect with.

Azure Life: 3

Azure: I send King's Sword Dragon to the Drop Zone to counteract the effects of King's Shield Dragon!!

A gold armored dragon with blades coming from his arms appeared, going over Adamantine.

King's Sword Dragon: Master, I'm humbled to be serving you and the young master once again.

Adamantine: Your strength will be put to good use Sword.

The lobster disappeared, with Adamantine regaining his lost strength.

Azure: It's time to end this!! Adamantine, attack Ryu!!

Adamantine: Superior Dragon Crusher!!!

Adamantine fired a blast in his hand towards Ryu.

Ryu: I cast: Green Dragon Shield!!

He guarded against the first attack, however the second was taken full on.

Ryu Life: 5

Azure: ARONDIGHT!!!

Azure flew towards Ryu, as the two clashed blades. This time the one to notice something was Azure, as Ryu glowed his a blue aura. He backed off for a moment, before slashing Ryu across the chest twice.

Ryu Life: 1

End of Move.

Azure: 'Was I seeing things?'

Ryu: 'Okay, I am REALLY, low on options. At this point if I don't draw the right card, this match is done.'

Ryu reached his right hand to his core gadget, as he slightly hesitated.

Ryu: Draw!!

He drew a card, finding Hell Dragon's Protection.

Ryu: Charge and-!!!

Before he could charge, he clutched his chest feeling something.

Ryu: Argh! W-What's going on?

He started to float down, dropping to a knee beginning to sweat.

Azure: Ryu? What's wrong?!

Ryu: W-Why did it suddenly get so hot?

Blaze: Wait- I-I feel something as well.

Everyone's eyes were on Blaze right then, as he was ignited in a blue fire.

Suzuha: What's going on?!

Adamantine: C-Could this be what I think it is?

Azure: Adamantine, do you know what's going on?!!

Blaze: Th-This fire actually burns me!!

Ryu: Crap!! I end my turn!!

Ryu looked up at Azure wincing.

Ryu: Azure, finish the fight!!

Azure: Huh?

Ryu: End it now so I can stop this!!

Azure seemed to hesitate for a moment, before gritting his teeth.

Azure: I ATTACK WITH CALIBURN!!!

Azure flew in, before slashing at Ryu, as his life dropped to 0, along with his Flag disappearing.

GAME OVER

Winner: Azure Kaito!

Ryu hurriedly held his hand up.

Ryu: Blaze, come back!!

After a moment, Blaze had become just a light, coming back to in card form. Soon after, the heat had stopped for Ryu.

Ryu: Woah...

They all ran to the boy, with Azure deactivating his Buddy Skill.

Karma: Ryu, what just happened?!

Ryu: I... I couldn't tell you even if I wanted. Blaze, do you have any idea?

He looked at Blaze's card, with was shrouded in a blue flame.

Ryu: No response.

Azure: I saw the same fire when our Items clashed.

Adamantine: Blaze had the same glow in his eyes when we clashed as well. I believe something my rival has told me once before is starting.

Ryu: Adamantine, you know what's going on?

Everyone looked up at the flying Dragon.

Adamantine: It's shocking. You two really are meant to be buddies.

Suzumi came running outside concerned.

Suzumi: Kids, I heard everything from outside, what happened?!

Adamantine: Ryu, the bond you have with Blaze is incredibly powerful. So much so that something has triggered him to begin the process of Evolution.

Everyone was taken aback by this, but none more than Ryu.

Ryu: 'Blaze is trying to evolve because of me?'

Azure seemed silent afterwards, not sure what to feel.

CHAPTER END!!