Author's note: So, to prevent any confusion. I made some changes involving episode 14 and 15 and the beginning of episode 16 of the series so I mix them into one chapter hope you enjoy the story.

Carl's POV

I open my eyes, and I noticed that I was in some kind of... nurse office I got up and rubbed my head "did I really pass out?" I asked myself.

'Yeah, you did' I hear Fortune Fairy Ann saying as she appeared sitting on my right shoulder 'You really got everyone worry specially that Yuya, guy' she explained as I sighed.

I remembered "I use Xyz summoning... which is something I'd never done before, I have to go and let the others know that I'm okay now" I said before beginning to grab my deck and open the door to walk out.

Ann nodded 'you're lucky that you only fainted from exhaustion and not from fever' she informed me before disappearing.

'Also how come she sounded like Liv Rooney from the Disney channel show, Liv and Maddie' I thought as I continue walking as I see from a far, I see Yuya walking out of the duel room "was there another duel that I didn't know about..." I muttered I then realized that the Leo Institute kids, and Henrietta were no longer in sight "I guess they left after I win" I muttered again.

"How did he Pendulum summon? I just don't understand" Yuya said as he falls on his knees which made me gasped and run up to him.

"Yuya!" I Called him which he raised his head and looks over and sees me running to him he had his googles on but made me frown a bit.

"What were you doing there?" I asked him.

"Declan Akaba challenged me to a Duel, and then he performed a Pendulum summoning... and I was shocked but then we ended postponing the duel because something happened in the institute that required their attention" Yuya explained.

"Then why are you upset?" I asked him.

"Pendulum summoning is supposed to be mine! How is it that he has Pendulum cards?!" Yuya asked.

I sighed and sat down next to Yuya "Let me answer your question with a question. How did you get YOUR Pendulum cards?" I asked him.

That seemed to do the trick as Yuya choked on his own words. He tried to come up with an answer to which I raised my eyebrow. Yuya sighed in defeat leaning his back on the wall with his hands on his face. I knew that he felt Pendulum summoning was his own special thing. That he felt intitled to it, but now would be the perfect time to show him that was not going to be the case.

"You wouldn't believe me..." he said sadly.

"Let me guess. It happened during your duel with Sledgehammer when your necklace started to glow. Your cards seemingly changed? As if by magic?" I said while pointing at Yuya's necklace.

Yuya's eyes widen "How did you-" he asked before I cut him off.

"I saw it online a bit before me and my family came to town. I'm not sure how, but I was able to see it happen" I said.

"So, I'm NOT crazy. But still... Pendulum summoning is my thing! That Declan guy can't use it!" he stated which I frown.

I sighed sadly "Hate to be the one telling you this, but that's very immature of you, Yuya. A clear sign that you still have growing to do as a duelist" I said.

"What does THAT mean?" He asked in a upsetting tone.

"Please don't tell me that you genuinely believed that Pendulum was going to be exclusively yours forever" I questioned dumbfounded.

he looks away "I mean... Kinda, yeah" he said.

I shake my head "You can't be selfish, Yuya. That's not fair to everyone out there who plays the game" I tell him.

"But-"

"But nothing, Yuya Sakaki. Really think about it. If you get to have your own method of summoning, then everyone would be wanting to have their own method. It would become so chaotic that no one would want to play the game anymore" I cut him off with a tone that he could tell that I'm being serious as Yuya went silent I sighed again and place a hand on his shoulder "Tell me this, Yuya. Did the person who came up with Fusion complain that others were using it?" I asked.

"I... I don't know" he answered defeatedly.

"Then what about Synchro? Or Xyz? Did the people who came up with them complain when other duelists started using those methods?" I then asked him again.

"I... guess not?" he answered.

"You're right. In fact, it only ever improved the game and evolved it. Your Pendulum summoning is going to do that same thing. Just like with what your dad did" I said making Yuya look at me in awe.

"My...Dad?" he questioned as I nodded.

"From what I was able to see back in the school, your father was the one who invented Action Dueling" I said.

He nodded "Yeah. He started the whole thing" Yuya stated.

"Did you know that audiences made fun of him when he first started to use acrobatics in his duels?" I asked.

"Really? People made fun of him?" Yuya questioned.

I nodded "That's right, but did he stop?" I then asked again.

Yuya shakes his head "N-No..." he said.

"What happened?" I asked.

"People started to do it too." he replied.

I nodded again "Then tell me. Did your dad complain when other people started to copy him? Do you want to take a guess as to how he felt?" I said while moving his goggles off his eyes and moved them above his head.

"He... he was excited" Yuya responded.

I decided to move in front of Yuya still sitting on the ground "Wanna tell me why?" I asked.

"Because he wanted to wow the crowds and give everyone a good show. He wanted people to come together and smile when they dueled." Yuya explained as I smiled at him.

"And from that, a new way of dueling was born, which allowed him and Skip to found the You Show Duel School. He created a new way to bring people together in duels and now it's a worldwide sensation. Your Pendulum summoning is going to do just that same thing as well if you think about it. Now you have the same responsibility as your dad did" I say as I can see Dark Magician Girl from behind Yuya and smiled at both of us.

Yuya looks back at me "Responsibility?" he questioned.

"Your father was the one who opened the door. He had to be the one to set the example for others to follow. You opened the door to Pendulum summoning, so now you hold that very same torch your dad did. You have to be the example and push the boundaries of Pendulum summoning to its limit." I explained to Yuya as I see him getting up and I got up after him. I placed a hand on his shoulder gently turning him around. It was clear that he was on the verge of bawling. I looked right into his red eyes and spoke in a very gentle voice.

"Are you going to cry?" I asked.

Yuya shakes his head "N-No..." he said before sniffling "Boys don't cry..." he said looking down.

I shake my head "Even me as a guy I can say that is toxic masculinity, Yuya. It's okay to cry." I said to him.

"No, it's not! Boys aren't meant to cry! Dad told me that whenever I feel like crying, I should laugh instead, and smile when things get tough. He would never lie to me..." he said while holding back his tears.

Yuya tried his best, but he could still feel the tears wanting to come out. He was too focused on the conversation and I'm for sure is the memory of the last birthday party he had with his father to even consider his advice. I know that, although good intentioned, it was a plain bad advice. It was a recipe for turning Yuya into a ticking time bomb and I'm not allowing him to do turn out like that. I'd made that mistake in my past life, and I refuse to let anyone else to fall into that hole a before is too late.

"I know your dad meant well, but that's not healthy. All those bad emotions are just going to get bottled up and it will eventually explode. Then no amount of laughter or smiling will make that pain go away" I said with the same gentle voice that I was spoken the entire conversation.

"But then... Then what am I supposed to do?" Yuya questioned losing hope of what to do.

"It takes a strong person to stop themselves from crying. It takes an even stronger person to let themselves cry" I said.

"W-what do you mean?" Yuya asked looking back at me.

"I know that your father's words are important to you, but I want you to remember the words that I'm about to tell you, okay?" I said to him which Yuya then nodded "Cry if you feel like crying, and if you don't or can't cry in front of others... then wait to you're alone to grieve. There is no weakness in shedding tears" I assure him.

Yuya looked right to my silver-grey eyes. There he saw no deception, no lies, nothing but kindness in them. He couldn't comprehend as to why this was hitting him so hard. Maybe it was the concern for him in my eyes. Maybe it was the soothing tone of my voice. Maybe it was just him unable to keep up the facade any longer. This was enough to break down the walls inside of Yuya and unleash years of unshed tears. They streamed down his face as he leaned forward burying his head into my chest. I was a bit stunned by this action feeling Yuya's whimpers and tears on me as he wraps his arms around my torso.

"I-I'm sorry...I should have asked if you were okay..." He spoke shakingly.

I smiled and hugged him back "is okay, Yuya...I'm okay... you were just feeling the moment of your other duel...there's nothing wrong with it. I'm sorry I scared you" I said as I patted his back, consoling the poor boy my age as he kept sobbing "It's okay, Yuya. Just let it all out. All that pain you've been holding onto. Let it all go" I continue saying and the two of us stayed there in the hall with Yuya just crying rivers of silent tears.

Once it all calmed down as I was about to let go Yuya pulls me back in "P-Please!... d-don't let go yet" Yuya said.

I looked down on him who looks back up at me with his chin on my chest and red puffy eyes.

I patted his head "sure Yuya, sure..." I said to Yuya as we both hugged again, but wait when are Yuzu and the others gonna come out?

Yuya then let's go of me and wipes his faces and I help him out "T-Thanks...I needed that" Yuya said as I smiled at him.

"I know that we know for a short time, but now I can assure you that I'll be there for you if there's anything bothering you dueling wise or emotional wise" I assure him.

Yuya nodded "I know... I'll be counting on you, Carl" he said as I nodded.

"Our school is safe by forfeit sure, but I'll take it" Skip said as Yuzu and the others finally arrived.

"What happened if they come back and finish what they started?" Yuzu asked.

"Well, that's easy Yuzu, it'll be just like today, we'll show them that the You Show Duel School does not mess around!" Skip answered...big mistake of words.

Sora rested his hands behind his head "Considering Yuya and Carl won their duels I'd say we do mess around" he said which half of them weren't found with his words specially Yuzu and Gong despite their outcomes from their previous duel.

"Like you have room to talk, you didn't even duel!" Tate yelled angrily at Sora.

"You big chicken!" Allie tried to insult Sora.

"You Show Duel School has no need for you!"

"Guys Enough!" I called them but was ignored.

"Just making an observation" Sora said before walking away.

Skip tried to stop him from leaving as I sighed at this as much as I like to agree with the three youngsters... but if you think about it Sora is right, but that's why this placed is called a duel school for a reason "As for now the LID will be the least of our worries" I said getting the others attention and they gasped.

"Carl!" they yelled as they all tackled me to the ground.

"You really got us worry sick!"

"Are you okay!?"

"Are you shivering?"

Tate, Allie, and Frederick were spamming me with questions.

"I'm fine guys, a little lightheaded but nothing to worry too much" I explained as we all got back up. "Sure, what Sora said was out of line, but if you think about it, he's not in the wrong either... we're talking about people who got more dueling knowledge than the rest of us combined, that's what training and learning is for, both Yuzu and Gong can learn a lot from the duel they just faced and they could find different ways to turn the opponents cards effect to their favor, just like I did during my duel with David" I explained.

That put both Yuzu and Gong in thought since they haven't thought about it like that.

"You're right Carl" I look over and see Yuya looking at me with the smile that I always like to see on his face "we still have a lot of things to learn, and you did convince me that I shouldn't run away from my problems... I have to face them head on" he then said. "And the Show must go on, just like my dad I'll try to be an inspiration for duelists, everywhere!" Yuya added.

"That's what I like to hear from you, Yuya!" I cheered before looking at the time "Is getting late, I think we should all head back home, we don't want our parents to worry, except for Yuzu for obvious reason" I said as we all laugh "And about Sora give him time, he'll see how better you guys can get" I added.

they all nodded as we all went off to our respective houses as Yuya and I were walking home together it was silent but very comfortable silence until Yuya decided to break it.

"Carl...about what you said back in the hall before the others arrived...Do you really mean it?" He asked nervously.

I chuckled "hey, don't doubt me after what you said back there, and I mean every word Yuya" I said.

He smiled at me "Oh speaking of long day which school you'll be attending?" He asked.

"Paradise City Prep" I replied.

His eyes widened and smiled wider "You're going to my school!?" He questioned

"You go there?" I asked pretending I didn't know he went there.

"Yeah! and so does, Yuzu, and unfortunately Sylvio" he explained.

"Man, sorry for you guys that you have to deal with that guy every day of the week, I guess" I joked which Yuya laughed.

"You can say that but jokes aside it'll be better having you in our school" he said

I smiled and nodded "yeah..." I said as we arrived at our houses that are a cross from each other "well I'll see you tomorrow at school" with that I patted his head and walked home as he went to his.

"U-Uh yeah see you tomorrow!" he stuttered as he walked in

-the next day-

Third Person's POV

It was a day in school and Yuya was zoning out thinking about having Carl in the school and better going the same class as him.

"Yuya, have you heard about the new student coming today?" Yuzu who sits next to him asked.

"Yeah~" He replied dreamingly.

Yuzu noticed his reaction and giggled 'I guess he already knew judging his expression' she thought at the bell rang making Yuya snap out of his zoning out.

"Morning class, as you heard the rumors about a new student coming over and joining our class today, so I want you guys to welcome him" the teacher explained before looking at the door "You can come in now Carmine!" he stated as Yuzu, Yuya and Sylvio's eyes widen when their teacher said the last name of a certain someone and Carl walks in wearing the school uniform only the over coat to be unbuttoned unlike the rest of the boy in his class excluding Yuya and Sylvio.

Carl fixes his glasses "Hello, my name is Carl Carmine I moved almost a week ago, is nice to meet you guys, I hope we all get along as classmates" Carl said with a smile making everyone in the classroom but Yuzu and Sylvio blush, Yuya on the other hand was fainted on the desk thanking whoever is up above for answering his inner prayer.

"You may take a seat Carmine" the teacher tells him as Carl nodded and walks up to the very back and sits behind Yuya and patted his head.

"Hey guys" Carl said to Yuzu and Yuya who smiled at him.

"Alright, the class will begin, and Carmine if you have any doubts about some parts that I'll be discussing today, don't hesitate to interrupt me, okay?" The teacher said which Carl nodded. And with that the class began.

-time skip-

Is lunch time and Carl received lots of welcoming gifts some girls and signed balls from guys which he thanked them for the gifts, and now currently he's looking for his friends to eat lunch with till he sees them in a bench outside he smiled and walk out till he sees Sylvio also there.

"Handkerchief?" Sylvio asked while handing and handkerchief to Yuzu which she looks at him "hi" he said in a charming tone which Carl finds it cringe but tries not to show it.

Yuzu turns her head away "Go away Sylvio" she said.

Sylvio put his Handkerchief away while looking at Yuya "You know Yuya I must say that your table manners are about as elegant as your dueling, that is to say none at all" he said.

Carl rolls his eyes 'Here we go again' he thought.

"Says you!" Yuya responded "Now do you want something or are you just here to annoy us" he asked which Sylvio smirked.

"Another duelist got ambushed yesterday, people are saying that you're the culprit" Sylvio said.

'Yuto stroked again...what are you doing?' Carl thought

Yuzu and Yuya gasped "then some people are wrong!" Yuzu defended Yuya.

"You are right Yuzu" the three of them look over and see Carl standing there with a bento in his hand "so who got attacked this time?" he asked while looking at Sylvio with an expression that says, "I don't have all day".

"Professor Marco" Sylvio responded "he's a teacher in the Leo institute, no one heard from him since" he explained.

Carl looks at Sylvio with a careless expression "Okay?" he said.

"That must be why Declan suddenly took off" Yuya whispered to Yuzu, but Carl could hear clearly.

"Declan? you mean the president of these booze's school Declan Akaba that Declan? although I think there are some exceptions" Carl asked them before thinking about his questionable relationship between him and David 'Are we even friends or two duelists who acknowledged each other's strength' he thought as Yuzu and Yuya nodded at him.

"Yeah, Declan walked in the observation room while you and that David guy were dueling each other" Yuzu explained.

"Oh... so you met David too, people in the Leo institute sometimes call him the "First man" of the school despite that he's also a student like us, and I didn't think hearing stories about someone managing to defeat David" Sylvio said before looking back at Yuya "You seemed genuinely surprised to hear this, I had the feeling about those rumors about you being involved were wrong. There's no way someone like you could get the best out of Marco even with your cheap Pendulum summon" he said.

"And this is where I'm stopping you" Carl said "dude you're thinking Yuya's Pendulum summoning is cheap, so what makes your dueling style be, plain broke? because that's worth equally to your opinion...nothing at all" he asked mocking Sylvio's voice making Yuzu and Yuya look away holding back their laughter.

'hahaha! does he need some ice on that burn?' Carl hears Fortune Lady Fire laughing.

"Whatever as much as I want to settle this in the tournament but none of you are qualified to enter."

"Wait we have to Qualify to enter?" Carl bluntly asked making Yuzu falls.

"How am I supposed to become a pro, now!?" Yuya asked with panic in his voice.

-time skip-

Tate Allie and Frederick were waiting for Yuzu and Yuya to walk out of the school, but their eyes widened with shock when they saw Carl with them.

Allie waves at them "Hey guys, our study group is cancelled!" She tells them.

"We're going to You Show!" Frederick added.

"You guys wanna come with us?" Tate asked before the three of them noticed the gloominess in Yuya's face and the brightness of Carl's.

"Yuya is something wrong?" Tate asked.

"Carl, you go to the same school as them, now?" Allie asked as He nodded happily.

"Seems like someone is overjoyed" Frederick commented as Yuya groaned at the ground.

Carl skips by them "this is the best first day of school ever!" Carl stated happily as the others followed him.

"Well, you see..." Yuzu begins to explain how Yuya and Carl couldn't enter the junior arc as they all walk to You Show together.

"You can't compete in the Junior Arc league championship?" Frederick asked Yuya

"Not this year..." Yuya muttered "In order to qualify and register your yearly record has to show a minimum of 50 Junior ark league section duels with a 60 percent win rate" Yuya explained.

"So, what does your duel record show?" Allie asked.

"Forty-six twenty-six wins" Yuya replied gloomily.

Tate begins to think "Let's see twenty-six divided by forty-six...that's fifty-six point five, that's not good enough" he said.

"You're not a human calculator" Frederick reminded Tate.

"For a kid your age you're quite smart" Carl said.

"Carl how come you're excited when Yuya was all gloomy?" Allie asked Carl.

He smiled "well since I knew that I have to get the same number of duels, and win rate I was beginning to lose hope and someone asked me what wrong and I explained and then I got magically bombarded with students all over the school and challenged me since the time was limited one of them told me that I have to beat 6 duelist in a row without losing to qualify as well and trust me beating 6 duelist in a row is harder than it sounds" he explained.

Yuzu nodded "I can agree with that" she said.

Yuya sulked and groan disappointedly as Carl pulls Yuya close to him as his head is rested on Carl's left pectoral like a pillow "Is okay Yuya you'll only need 4 more duels and maybe wins to raise the rate" he tells Yuya

Yuya could have been blushing at the gesture, but he was too gloomy to notice.

"So why does Yuya get four more duelists to challenge him" Tate explained

"that's the hard part you see they refused to duel him because...they're scared of facing him" Carl replied.

"I'm not Getting a free pass!" Yuya out of nowhere shouted as he got off Carl's side hug "People just don't get it the sledgehammer duel wasn't for his title, so when it makes me a pro!?" He whines before leaning on Carl as the taller male wraps an arm around Yuya and patted his right shoulder.

"There, There, Yuya" Carl said.

"And to be a pro you have to do well in the Junior championship" Tate then said.

Frederick rested his hands behind his head as he and Allie looked at Tate "when get to the qualification test to enter as a senior arc league" Frederick added.

"And then you need enough wins to enter the pro test" Allie finished.

Then an idea popped in Yuya's head as he sees Yuzu and the three kids and makes a funny look

"Yuya...I know what you're thinking... don't" Carl said making Yuya look at him shocked.

"But why?" Yuya whined.

"For starters if you duel either Tate, Frederick, or Allie they won't count because they're in the youth League in order to qualify you have to face the exact number of duels against Junior Leaguers, Like Yuzu and I for example but unfortunately you can't face neither of us because we're both sitting on the exact sixty percent, and that I apologize" Carl explained as Yuya sulks again as Carl patted his back but then something hit in Carl

"Why don't you talk to Gong about it?" Yuzu asked.

Carl nodded "that's a good Idea after all he did help us out in a time of need despite not being a You Show Student himself, But at the same time...I don't think he'll help" he said.

Yuzu looks at Carl "what makes you say that?" She asked.

"Well Yuzu, Gong will probably be training for the league as well" Carl replied.

"I'm grateful for everything Gong has given if it wasn't for Gong's training and support, I might have lost my duel against Dipper, and then after Yuzu lost and our backs are really against the wall Gong step up and manage to keep our school safe by tying with Kit, I got to get strong enough to stand on my own two feet, I have to get better starting today! there's not time like now!" Yuya stated his main character line which Carl notices the look of realization on Yuzu's face and decides to not make Yuya look like a fool.

"Oh, Yuzu don't you have somewhere to be?" Carl asked her which she looked at him confusedly which he winked at her as her eyes widened with realization.

"Oh yeah I completely forgot! thanks for reminding me, Carl! tell Dad that I won't be able to make it today!" She stated as she ran off and Carl nodded.

"I will, Go!" He yelled.

'I owe you big time Carl' Yuzu thought as she continues running off.

"Do you know where Yuzu ran off to, Carl?" Tate asked who Carl shook his head.

"Not specifically in school she said about something that she needs to do involving getting better about her dueling, style" he said, half-truthfully "Now I'm thinking about it I should be getting stronger too, there's no way I have to stay back and being lazy" he added "but for now let's check the school" Carl then said before dragging a blushing mess Yuya with him.

Tate, Frederick, and Allie looked at the two teens "so obvious" they said before they went off to catch up with them.

-time skip-

they arrived at You Show, and the kids were discussing suggestions about getting four new opponents for Yuya

Yuya and Carl were the first to walk out of the elevator and they heard a familiar voice "Yuya my boy!" it said as they see a man with a black and yellow suit grabbing Yuya's hand and shaking it with both his hands "so lovely to see you again."

"Y-You too" Yuya nervously replied.

"Oh, is you...what was your name again?" Carl asked making everyone else fall.

"Is Nico Smiley!" Tate Allie and Frederick stated.

"Oh right, sorry I have trouble memorizing names" Carl apologized.

"What are you doing here?" Yuya then asked

The suited man waves Carl off "that's okay youngster, that happens to lots of people" Smiley explained.

Skips looks at Yuya "and to answer your question. he came here to bring some exciting news for you Yuya, and this is a big one! You've been officially invited to enter this year junior league Championship!" he explained excitedly.

Yuya looks at his teacher surprised "What? Seriously?" He questioned.

"Double seriously! The Paradise City Duel association took noticed of your valiant victory against the sledgehammer, and after some meetings and deliberations negotiated by yours truly, they have decided to offer you a spot in the Championship" Nico Smiley explained.

Carl smiled but looks away 'Well knowing any other Yu-gi-oh series the main Character wouldn't take a free pass unless is for a good reason' Carl thought to himself.

"that's Great!" Allie cheered.

"So you don't need to worry about getting those extra four wins" Tate added.

"Shivers!" Frederick stated.

"Oh..." Yuya looked down he looks back up at Smiley and waves him "That's a nice offer but I'm gonna say no" he said surprising everyone but Carl.

'Called it' he thought.

"My boy why?" Nico asked.

Carl sighed "is it because of what those guys said in school about having special treatment and stuff?" he asked the Tomato boy which he looks at Carl and nodded.

"In a way yes... and because it feels like cheating or something" he said.

"No is favoritism" Nico explained "Okay that one might come out wrong, but the point is you are in" he added.

'Although it sounds cool, but that wouldn't be something that Yuya would want as a Duelist is he wants to enter he has to take matters into his own hands and fight to be in the championship like everybody else including someone like Sylvio' Carl thought.

"And also feels wrong for the Sledgehammer, speaking of which I haven't seen him in a while" Yuya then said.

'Now that he mentioned it, he isn't seen since the duel' Carl thought.

"How's the champ" Yuya then asked.

"I'm afraid he is no longer the champion" Nico replies to which Carl and Yuya seemed surprised "he didn't even said goodbye he just left me a sad note, relinquish his title and saying that he was gonna travel overseas to find himself!" He screamed making the minors flinched as Carl place a hand on the suited man's shoulder.

"Okay let's not freak out, you should think about the "what would you do if I was in his position" thing, think about it there are times when you'll feel like you're not who you're used to be, if he decided to travel to find himself then who are we to stop him is good for the mental health for everyone" Carl said to Nico 'Holy shit I sounded like my therapist' he also thought.

"Is true...but still I am without a duelist and what is a duel manager without a duelist, but an empty shell" Nico said, "but if you sign with me, we can start from the bottom together and work our way to the top!" he then stated.

Yuya bows "Bowing out" he said as Skip looks then looks shock and Nico faceplanted on the floor which Carl winced at the sight.

'Okay... he's those type of managers...well what I see is the overdramatic one and not the toxic one' Carl said in his mind 'Well if he's staying with his answer...I'll support him' He then thought with a small smile.

the three kids look at Nico dumbfounded but unsurprised at the same time.

"I get it now, that's why you negotiated with the association" Tate said.

"So that you can make a name for yourself" Frederick added.

"You're the worst" Allie finished.

Carl sighed as he feels uncomfortable of how close Nico gets with Yuya

"That's not true I adore your talent, Yuya. I thoroughly believe in you" Nico said.

Carl can't be sure if he's telling the truth or not...but he decided to let it slide.

Yuya looks down and thinks for a second "Hm... if that's really true, can you do something for me?" Yuya then asked Nico.

"Anything" he replied.

Carl raised an eyebrow "What are you up to, Yuya?" he muttered.

"You see in order for me to participate in the Junior Arc League Championship, I have to get at least four more wins, so I really need to get to find some at least a maximum of four junior leaguers for me" Yuya asked.

"Might be hard but I'll see what I can find" Nico said before looking at Skip "well I'll come by when I have any updates" he then said and with that he leaves the room but stop and turn "I forgot to mentioned that in the tournament there's a additional stipulation where you can win in the total of six duels without losing" he added.

"that's how I got qualified, a classmate of mine explained to me about it" Carl then said.

Nico nodded "alright then, I'll be heading off now!" with that Nico leaves.

Carl then sees that Skip tries to pull out his phone and try to call Yuzu but went straight to voice mail "hey do you any of you guys know where Yuzu went? I'm trying to call her but went to voice mail and I'm now getting worried about her" he says.

Carl sighed and thought "I think I know" he said before pulling out his duel disk and taps on the screen "got her, her location is still on and her duel disk shows that she's... in those were houses again" Carl explained "I'll go check if she's still there" he informed Skip.

Skip nodded "I trust you, be careful" he tells Carl who nodded and leaves and enters the elevator and sees Yuya entering as well.

"Yuya?" Carl questioned.

"I'm coming with you..." he said "I don't want you to get hurt, again..." he added while looking away hiding his blush from him.

"Alright" Carl said before looking at another direction not to make Yuya feel uncomfortable. they made to the bottom floor and run off to find Yuzu.

-time skip-

Carl's POV

I pointed to the specific warehouse "This way!" I stated and run a head as Yuya runs behind me and we stopped at the warehouse and we see Yuzu, Sora...and Julia?

"Yuzu there you are Your dad's been worry sick about you, he tried to call you, but it went straight to voice mail and-" Yuya said but stopped when he also sees Sora and Julia too.

"Sora, and... what's your name again?" Carl asked the tanned girl making Julia and the others fall.

"Is J-Julia" she said slightly annoyed but then frowns at both Yuya and I "I get it you teamed up with him and help him escape!" she claimed and she walks up to Yuya and grabs him by the collar of his shirt.

"I beg your pardon?" I asked.

"Now talk, what have you done with Professor Marco!?" Julia demanded.

"Nothing!" Yuya answered.

Julia seems not buying with what he said which I sighed "Don't play dumb, I know that you two are working with him!" she stated the untruth which made me frown and I gently place a hand on her wrist which she flinched.

"Now this is where I'm butting in" I said as Julia's grips loosen up and I move her hand away from Yuya "Now, I'm going to make this perfectly clear and I'm only going to say it once because I'll not be repeating, we don't know who this "him" you're talking about even if we know, we would never agree to work with someone we barely know unless we have a good reason" I lied to her, I know who she's talking about but we're not even allies at this point 'So, Yuto was here, too' I thought.

"And what is that reason, then?" Julia asked trying to provoke me.

before I could even respond Sora yelled from outside of the warehouse "hey, there he goes!" he said gaining Julia's attention he looks back at us "over there he's up to the roof top, you better chase him before he gets away!" he yelled as Julia pushes Yuya away, but as he falls his face buries in my chest as I catch him and then help him stand.

I looked at Sora "You lied to her, did you?" I asked him.

"Yep! I wanted to get rid of Julia so we can get back to training" Sora said.

"Training? You and Yuzu?" Yuya questioned.

Sora nodded "Yeah, Yuzu asked if I could help her with-" he said before pausing looking at Yuzu who seemed to be bothered with something while looking at her bracelet "wait...is it supposed to be a secret that you wanted to teach you fusion summoning?" Sora asked her.

Yuya turns to Yuzu "Fusion summoning?" he repeated.

"Yeah, Yuya she wanted to improve her dueling style before the championshiiii-" I slowly turn to Sora who tilted his head "Shit you don't know" I cursed.

"Know what?" Sora asked.

"Well in a few weeks there's going to be a Junior Arc League Championship where all Junior Leaguers are going to participate and compete in a tournament but specifically those with a minimum of 50 duels and 30 wins with a 60 percent win rate" I explained.

"That many? no fair! how could nobody ever wants me to have any fun!" Sora whined.

'Man, I don't get pay enough for this in my past life' I thought "although..." I said getting Sora's attention "there is another way to enter there's a stipulation where you can also qualify by winning six matches in a row" I also explained.

Sora smiled at me "Oh yeah?" he asked as I nodded "Alright! taking down six duelists in a row will be easy!? Do you think you can have that Nico smiley to line up the opponents for me? Then I can just knock them down!" Sora said cheerfully.

Yuya looks at Sora "sure, we can do that" Yuya said before looking back at Yuzu and then me and smiled which I smile back.

"Okay, time to head back guys or Skip will have another heart attack for not coming back" I said as we all walk back to you show together.

-Meanwhile-

???'s POV

I was running away and keep on running and running until I couldn't take it anymore, I tripped and fall face first to the dirt.

"Ow!... h-how could I leave her like that..." I questioned myself as I hear familiar words echoing in my head.

'In order for us to be save one of us has to stay behind to makes sure they don't find the other, find them tell them that I'll be okay, and I'm waiting for them to come and rescue me, please go, other than myself they trust you! Go!'

her words echoed my head tears build up in my eyes "I-I'm sorry..." I said while my voice breaks. "I should've been the one who stayed... not you..." I sob "I don't know what to do alone...please someone... anyone... Help me" I cried for help as I slowly get up and continue walking away to find a refuge.

-with Carl-

Carl's POV

I'd been watching my card in my night table and smiled "Okay...Yuya's getting stronger, Yuzu's getting stronger, Sora's getting stronger, and Gong is getting stronger, so I have to come up with cool moves and strategies for me to play and aware with what I can do" I said to myself before picking up a certain card Earthbound Immortal Aslla Piscu... I know I have to be careful when it comes to it plus it'll take those people seriously regardless of their background. Never underestimate a opponent I look out the window and I see something coming from the bushes and I see a person coming out of there and they seemed tired and collapse on the ground they're lucky that my parents are going to come home late and we don't own any pets but I notice something flashing on my arm...what. was that?

I run out of my room and I walk to the back yard and I run towards the person I took off his hood and I can see that his face is literally buried to the ground I pick him up and drag him inside and took him to the guestroom and I place him on the bed as I took of his visor and masked and I can see that his face is similar to mine but different at the same time only he has white and orange hair...wait...if Yuya has Yuto Yugo and Yuri...and Yuzu has Lulu, Celina, and Rin... could he be...no I must been over thinking.

-flash back-

"Melo..." I heard Yuto muttering in my chest while he was hugging me.

-flash back ended-

I see the guy slowly opening his eye and gasped before pinning me down to the bed and grabbing my wrist and force my hand behind my back and pushes my face to the pillow.

"How did I get here!?" he demanded his voice also sound different a bit more pitchy and softer like Jaune from RWBY.

"I brought you here myself you're in my house!" I said.

"Name!?" he ask me.

"Carl Carmine. and you were unconscious in my back yard, and I have to pick you out of there!" I explained myself.

He looks at me hesitantly and slowly let's go of me and I slowly turn to see his face his eyes widen and when he sees my face as I fixed my glasses.

"You... you look like..." He said struggling to speak in full sentence cause he's too shock to finish.

"Me..." I finished. "I already said my name...what's yours?" I then asked.

He looks at me hesitantly but sighed "My name is Carmelo but my friends and loved ones call me... Melo"

My eyes widen with shock "You're Melo... the guy who Yuto mentioned that night" I muttered but he heard me.

"You know Yuto!?" he looks at me I can tell that he's concern "do you know where he is!? I need to find him and let him know that I'm okay!" he said with complete panic.

"I don't know what exactly happened to you guys, but I can help in any way I possibly can" I said.

Melo looks at me with a grateful smile "as much as I appreciate it... but you can't" he tells me.

"Why not?" I ask.

Melo shakes his head "you'll not understand about the situation that me, Yuto and my friends are facing and maybe your world will be next" he explains, as much as I like to push further but he has nowhere to go, so I'll let this slide.

"Okay...I'll talk to my parents and talk to them about letting you-" I stop as I see a glowing familiar card coming out of Melo's pocket "Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua?" I questioned as Melo looks at his pocket and see his card going to flew out of it and grabs it.

"How did you-" He was about to asked but I cut him off when I show Aslla Piscu's card "of course" he said.

"Do you think this guy who attack you want something that has to do with them" I asked Melo who shakes his head.

"I'm not sure it could be a possibility" he replied.

I sighed again and got out of the bed "how about you rest for the night, you can leave the first thing in the morning, I'll get up early to make you some toast before you leave" I said "also judging by your strength you're not really human are you?" I asked him which he widen his eyes and looks away.

"I don't know what you're talking about" he denied probably has something that he's not comfortable to talk about

I laugh nervously "yeah you're right I might be assuming things that aren't true" I said as I walk to the door "have a nice rest" I said before walking out of the room as I walk back to my room and fix up my deck and put them back in the deck pocket and I turn off the lights and walk out of the room again and wait for my parents to be here and explained the situation to them 'well this is going to be a longer night that I expected it to be' I thought

-meanwhile-

Yuya's POV

I got off the floor of my bedroom, although slowly. I had a bit of a headache from falling on my head. I sat up against the frame of my bed letting it pass. Once it did, I looked over to my nightstand and saw my necklace laying in the same spot I put it in last night. I reached over and grabbed it. It dangled in my grasp spinning around and around gently due to physics and all that. It was always nice to watch though. It reminded me of my dad, like when I saw him in my dream.

'The most awesome duel I ever fought, and it was all just a dream. On the other hand, my Pendulum summoning is real, and I'm happy that I can do it no problem. I may not be the champion yet, but as long as I can keep entertaining people, then I'll always be a winner. Just like my dad.'

My attention went from my necklace over to my cards. I set the necklace back down where I grabbed it and reached over to my deck box. Holding it almost seemed like it gave me more strength. I opened the lid and took out my deck placing it on my bed. My cards were spread out showing all the Pendulum cards that I had. I was really happy to have Pendulum cards like these. It almost felt like Dad was watching over me or something.

'I do want to become the greatest Dueltainer ever, but to do that, then I just got to believe in my deck and myself. You and Carl taught me that lesson, Dad. And it's something that I'll never forget. I promise. And Dad...I wish I'd met Carl sooner...he's so amazing, smart, brave...handsome, I don't know what's going on with me, Dad. I really enjoy his company, and his comfort. his smile his che-' I snap out of my thoughts when I think about his Carl's chest!? I-I mean its big and all bu- NO! YOU CAN'T THINK OF SOMEONE'S BODY LIKE THAT IS SO WRONG! I sighed and look down and I see something poking in my pants making me blush harder than before...I-I have a...Hard on.

⚠Short Lime ahead if you don't stand that kind of stuff, you don't need to read it skip till where it says "-end of lime-" but if you're going to read it anyway do it at your own risk⚠

Out of all why it happening to me? I blush as I go to my door and check on my mom, but I can tell she must be asleep, so I lock the door in case, and I look down at my hard on I slowly remove my pants and underwear leaving my now exposed member out twitching making my face red as I sit on my bed still looking at my exposed twitching manhood and I grab it and slowly start stroking it making myself moan quietly while I was doing it I couldn't imagine seeing my member thrusting between Carl's man breast

I continue to moan quietly as I see an imagination of Carl underneath someone who I believe is me due to the shadow.

"Yuya~" I could imagine carl moaning my name oh god how I could imagine him saying that in real life as I thought I could feel myself fapping faster.

"C-Carl~" I whispered/moan his name as I pant heavily, I could feel my body sweaty and I fall back on my bed while continue stroking my dick up and down.

"Yu- Yuya~ I-I'm cumming~" I imagine hearing Carl saying that in my head.

"M-Me too, C-Carl" I whispered as I stroke faster before biting my lower lip and I hummed to prevent myself from moaning loudly while I came on my hand and shirt than some of my cum hit my face.

-end of lime-

I panted heavily with relief I get up and took off my shirt and pull out some tissue I have in my nightstand and wipe the cum off my face and then put on some pajamas for myself to put on before turning off the light and close my eyes as I sleep.

-the next day-

Carl's POV

I walk out of my bedroom, and I walk to the guestroom, and I see that Melo's no longer in sight. I think he already left...Hopefully is not the last time I see him I went to the kitchen and I don't see Mom or dad around, but I see a note on the table.

'To Carl,

thank you for the hospitality for allowing me to stay in your home for tonight, now I'll be continuing to look for Yuto, it really means a lot, again thank you, and take care of yourself and your Earthbound Immortal.

From, Melo'

So, he went to look for Yuto, well I wish him luck then. Since I didn't feel like making breakfast I decided to walk out and get something to eat once I walk out I see Yuya walking out which I smile and I walk up to him

"Hey Yuya!" I call him which he looks at me

He smiled back at me "O-Oh Carl Morning!"

"Good morning to you, too, you're heading somewhere?" I asked.

"Yeah, just looking to get something to eat, since mom will be busy doing something else" he replied with a pout "what about you?" he asked me

"Same thing since I don't feel like making breakfast today" I then said "say you wanna go have breakfast together?"

"L-Like a date?" he asked me while stuttering.

I tilted my head "well, not really, I have bad luck when it comes to dates...but i-it doesn't have to be a date if you're uncomfortable-"

"Yes!" Yuya cut me off "let's have that breakfast date" he then said before grabbing me by the wrist and drags me with him.

I felt my heart skipping a beat once again 'This feeling...am I... falling for Yuya?' I questioned in thought.

'You just NOW realizing that?' I heard one of the Fortune Ladies saying which I think is Dark because she sounded like Mal from Descendants as I hear the fortune Fairies giggling at me.

'Oh, first Fire and now you could this can get any better?' I sarcastically questioned.

'If you tell him how you feel then we'll be happier' I heard Wind replying.

I sighed as I heard Yuya's stomach growling "The one day I need a good breakfast and I whine up starving" he said.

"I'm sorry to hear that, I could have made some pancakes for you" I told him.

He looks at me with a red face "Y-You don't have to-" he said before the two of us begin to smell something cooking "hey that smell great! is breakfast time!" he stated before running off.

"H-Hey Yuya wait up!" I called him before running off with him.

we then stopped at some sort of Factory "wow...the hunger really got your game on" I jokingly said which made him laugh.

"Yeah, but hey you keep up with me~" he teased me which made me laugh as well but somehow, I feel my face burning.

"What's this?" I questioned.

"Chairman Fava's flavor factory?" Yuya read the sign before realizing something "this is the address where the duel's supposed to be" he said as he pulls out his duel disk and looks up at the address that I'm for sure Nico gave him.

"Oh, your first duel is today? lucky me, I'll be able to see you duel" I said "Looks like Mr. Smiley is doing a great job" I added.

"You've come to the right place Yuya" Nico appeared out of nowhere making Yuya jump as I catch him carrying him bride style. Nico makes a "after you" gesture "step right in" he said as I put Yuya back down.

"it's in here" Yuya questioned pointing at the factory as Nico nodded and pushes Yuya inside "Hey you sure about this?" he asked.

"In you go!" Nico stated ignoring Yuya's questions before looking back at me "you're welcome to join us, Mr. Carmine" he said.

I nodded "I was gonna follow you guys anyway, thanks" I said as I catch up to them and with that the three of us went inside the factory.