The Semi-Finals of the Cyberse Tournament were underway.

Flash and Yona were battling atop a desert island's mountain top, whilst Smolder and Spike Dueled aboard a giant pirate ship. The four Duelists were giving it their all and using whatever tricks they had. But there could only be one winner in each Duel. Who would end up heading towards the Final Duel?

Aboard the ship, Smolder's Magma Dragon Brawler stood ready to destroy her opponent. But Spike had just used a rather unexpected manoeuvre. Unexpected for Smolder, who had never seen him use Fusion Summoning before.

"Since when the heck do you use Fusion Summoning?" Smolder asked. "You're a Synchro Duelist."

"Synchro Summoning might be my favourite style," Spike announced. "But I've learned not to be reliant on one type of style. Makes you too predictable." Smolder frowned, since that could mean she might also have to deal with Xyz Summoning and who knows what else.

"Dragon Knight's skill!" The warrior raised his hands, as a fireball appeared between them. "When he's Fusion Summoned, I can blast away every card in your Spell or Trap Zone!" Smolder gasped, as the knight thrust the fireball towards the ground.

It hit the deck of the ship and exploded into a wave, which struck Smolder's face down and destroyed it.

"Here's the best part. For every card he destroyed, Dragon Knight gains three hundred ATK Points." The flames flew into him, merging with his armor and making him glow. (A2900/D2100/L7) "Dragon Knight, attack and destroy Magma Dragon Brawler!" The knight extended the blade coming out of its gauntlet and dived towards Magma Brawler, Smolder unable to do anything except watch as he stabbed her monster and destroyed it.

The resulting shockwave slammed Smolder backwards, making her cry out as she crashed into one of the masts. "AUGH!"

Spike: 3700
Smolder: 3200

Aria: "Ouch! That had to hurt. And Smolder didn't even get to do anything with her monster. Here's hoping she can find a way to turn the tables back in her favour next turn. If not, she'll be in serious trouble."

"I place two cards face down and end my turn." Dragon Knight landed in front of him, as Smolder pushed herself back to her feet. His knight's power remained, the power up a permanent feature for this Fusion Monster. "Come on, Smolder. I've seen you Duel better than this."

Smolder groaned, as she leaned against the mast. She looked over at Spike, her gave her a quizzical look. Clearly, he wanted to know what was wrong with her. "Just wait." She pushed herself away from the mast. "I'll show you how good I can Duel. And you'll wish I hadn't when this is all over."

Over on the mountain top, Flash found himself staring at Yona's super strong Xyz Monster. Wild Smasher's abilities might be random, but they could be a problem if Yona got lucky.

"My draw!" Flash did so and smiled when he saw what it was, taking it and the card he had drawn with his Trap and holding them up. "Now, I set the Pendulum Scale. With Scale one, Magna Castle Lunara, and Scale eight, Magna Caster Attriborn!" He slammed the cards down on the Duel Disk and the pillars of light appeared, as his monsters flew up into them. "Cut through Space Time and carve the arc of Victory!" The portal began to form above his head. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"

The portal opened before two lights flew out and crashed into the ground, exploding to reveal Flash's monster. "Slice and dice, Glow Claw Magna Chimp!" (A1800/D600/L4/P9)

"Shine your light of victory once again, Flash Heart Dragon...ALPHA!" (A2500/D2000/L7/P4) "Alpha's skill!" The dragon pointed towards Axe-Master and a portal opened up, sucking the monster into it. "Since a monster was removed from play, I now get to draw a card. And if it's a monster, whose Level is equal or lower than the one that just got banished, I can summon it." Flash drew his card, but just added it to his hand.

Sonata: "Luck was on Yona's side there. She's already in a bad spot. Adding another monster to the party would have been a nightmare for her."

"Flash Heart Dragon, Alpha. Attack and destroy Wild Smasher!" The dragon's thrusters exploded and propelled it forward, but Yona was ready.

"Yona play Trap!" Her face down flipped over. "Magical Cylinders!" Many of those watching gasped, realising this would take out almost all of Flash's Life Points. But Flash wasn't worried.

"I activate the Deck Master Ability of Solaris!" Flash discarded a card. "Go, Trap Burner!" The Magna Caster leapt into the air and swung his staff around, unleashing a blast of fire that flew down and struck Yona's Trap Card. As it burned up, Flash Heart flew through the flames and slammed his fist right into Wild Smasher's face.

"NO!" Yona cried, as her monster was destroyed and the shockwaves sent her staggering back.

Yona: 3000
Flash: 3200

"Now, Magna Chimp. Do it!" The robotic monkey charged forward and prepared to claw at Yona. But the girls was ready for him.

"Yona use other Trap!" Her face down rose to reveal another Trap. "Trap Mimic. Yona pay five hundred Life Points. This let Yona use Trap in Flash's graveyard."

Yona: 2500
Flash: 3200

"Yona choose Defence Draw!" The forcefield appeared and Magna Chimp's attack bounced off it, as Yona drew another card.

Sonata: "Looks like Magna Caster's Deck Master ability has a flaw. Not only does Flash need to discard a card, he also can't use it more than once a turn."

"Still," Sunset spoke up, "that's one heck of an advantage. Being able to make any Trap he wants completely useless. And with Lunara there, Flash will be protected from Spells as well."

Ocellus frowned. "Yona needs to find a way to overcome those two and quick." They all watched as Flash placed his card face down, calling an end to his turn. If Yona didn't get something good with her Defence Draw, she was gonna be in serious trouble.

"It's my turn!" Smolder reached for her deck and drew her card. "And I play, Graceful Charity!" She drew three cards before discarding two of them. "Next, I play Monster Reborn!"

Spike covered his eyes, as a brilliant flash of light brought Magma Dragon Brawler back to Smolder's field. (A2400/D2100/L7) Spike frowned, knowing Smolder likely had something that could help her monster beat his. Luckily, he would be ready for it.

"I place one card face down and end my turn." Spike raised an eyebrow, having not expected that.

"I was expecting you to power up your Dragon Brawler," Spike stated. "If you were just gonna summon it, why not put it back in DEF mode? Save you some Life Points." Smolder shrugged, Spike wondering if she was baiting him into something.

He looked at the card she had put face down and realised that was probably what she planned on using. Spike either needed to get rid of it, or find a way to save his monster from whatever she had planned.

"My turn." He drew his card and luckily, he had exactly what he needed to stop the card. "I activate the Deck Master Ability of Iron Tail Dragon!" Spike threw a card into the air and Iron Tail Dragon flew up before unleashing a blast of fire that hit the card, then shot down and struck Smolder's Face Down. "By discarding a card, I can destroy a card on your side of the field. So long as it's the same type of card as the one I ditched."

Aria: "The card Spike discarded was a Trap Card. If Smolder's card is a Trap, it'll be destroyed.

Smolder's face down flipped up and revealed it was a Trap, which exploded and forced Smolder to cover her face. "With that gone, Dragon Knight's free to attack!" The Fusion Monster extended his blade and prepared to attack, diving down with the sword at the ready.

But as it got in close, Smolder lowered her arms and smiled. "Gotcha." Spike raised an eyebrow, as Smolder discarded the card in her hand. "I activate the effect of Pesticide Dragon." Suddenly, a small purple dragon appeared and tackled Dragon Knight.

The warrior roared in pain, as his shoulder was bitten into. "What the?"

"Pesticide Dragon, lets me cut the power of any attacking monster in half. So now, your Dragon Knight just got a whole lot weaker!" (A1450/D2100/L7) Magma Dragon Brawler raised his fist, as the magma gauntlet around his arm glowed with incredible power.

It then thrust its fist forward and smashed it into the other Fusion Monster, destroying it and unleashing a blast of heat that made Spike cry out.

Spike: 2750
Smolder: 3200

Aria: "Whoa! Talk about getting blindsided. Spike thought he had her beaten by destroying her Trap, but that was just a decoy. Smolder really got one over on Spike there. How will Spike respond?"

Spike looked through his hand and frowned, having nothing he could use. He only had one option. "I end my turn."

"My draw then!" Smolder drew her card and smiled. "I summon, Air Dragon Brawler!" A tornado rocked the battlefield and from out of it, the green clothed street fighter appeared and was ready to throw down. (A1800/1000/L4) "Air Brawler's skill!" The street fighter leapt into the air and unleashed an air blast, which shot towards Spike's face downs. "Destroy the card on the left!" The air bullet smashed into the card and destroyed it.

"Augh!" Spike staggered back, as Magma Dragon Brawler raised its arm.

"Now, my monsters will attack you directly!" The Fusion Monster charged and was about to hit Spike, but the Duelist smirked as his face down flipped up.

"Trap Summon!" The quadrupedal dragonoid appeared, its wing shields raised to block the lava punch. "Mega-Hide Dragon, Shieldranoid!" (A100/D2500/L4) the impact caused Magma Dragon to flinch, Smolder doing the same as she clutched her chest.

Spike: 2750
Smolder: 3100

"Shieldranoid's skill!" Spike cried, as light was sucked out of Magma Brawler. "Since your monster is Level Seven, I get seven hundred Life Points back."

Spike: 3450
Smolder: 3100

Aria: "Wow! I wasn't expecting that. Spike managed to not only keep Smolder from wiping out his Life Points, but damaged her and regained almost all the Life Points lost during his last turn. Spike's lucky Smolder didn't destroy his other face down."

Smolder frowned and realised she had nothing else to work with. She only had one choice. "I end my turn."

"Ahh man," Sandbar cried. "No fair. She was about to win and Spike saved himself because she picked the wrong card to destroy."

"Maybe," Sunset shrugged. "Or maybe Spike would have saved himself no matter which card she destroyed. There's no telling what his other card was." The others nodded, wondering what the card was. But it didn't matter now.

What mattered is that Spike had just gotten a powerful defensive card that Smolder would have a hard time beating. Would Spike keep this monster on the field, or use it to summon something else? Only time would tell.

"Yona draw!" She did so and when she saw what she had, she smiled.

"Oh that can't be good," Flash watched her place a card in her Duel Disk. As she did, a bright flash of light appeared. "Augh!" He covered his eyes, as a portal opened up and Wild Smasher appeared. "What? What did you play?" Flash checked his Duel Disk and found it was a Spell. "Last Ditch Effort."

Sonata: "That Spell revives any monster in the graveyard, but only for one turn and it negates their effects. But that won't matter if Yona does what I suspect she'll do."

"Yona play Rank-Up-Magic, Berserking Force!" She activated the Spell Card and a black hole appeared above her head, Wild Smasher transforming into a light and flying into it. "Now, Yona rebuild Overlay Network!" Flash watched her monster fly inside, knowing something much more powerful was going to follow. "Smash apart and rebuild stronger. That Berserking way. Now Yona smashes this monster, to make a more powerful beast!" The black hole exploded. "RANK-UP XYZ SUMMON!"

The light faded away, revealing the more powerful and insane looking Wild Smasher. "Rampage Smasher!" (A2700/D2200/R5) "Yona now use Skill of Berserking Forger!" A portal opened up and from out of it, the caveman blacksmith appeared before disintegrating. "Yona banish him and as Equip Spell to hand." Her Deck slotted out a card, which she quickly took.

Sonata: "Yona's using the same strategy she used before. Now she can use that Equip Spell to sacrifice if her monster's ability lands wrong."

"Yona equip Rampage Smasher with Immortal Collar!" A large metal ring appeared around the evolved Xyz Monster, causing it to flinch a little. "Immortal Collar make Rampage Smasher indestructible. Even if Flash summon stronger monster, no destroy by battle."

"Not bad," Flash nodded. "But I know that Spell and it has a price. Your monster loses three hundred ATK points every turn. Wear it too long and your monster will be too weak to defend you." Yona said nothing and instead, the light around it flowed into Rampage Smasher's glove.

"Yona use Smasher's Skill. Roll number. Odds, destroy card you have and extra three hundred ATK points. Evens, destroy card I have and take five hundred damage."

"Let's roll!" Flash stated, as the numbers started appearing on the glove and randomly changed. One, six, two, five, three, four, two, six, one and so on. Eventually, it started slowing down. Everyone watched with baited breath and eventually, the number landed on three.

Sonata: "It's three. That means Yona can destroy any card on Flash's field. Which one will she pick!?"

Yona pointed towards Attriborn. "Yona destroy that one!" Flash hadn't been expecting that and watched, as her monster swung his fist around before firing an air punch. It shot across the mountain peak, eventually slamming into the Pendulum Monster and destroying it.

"My Pendulum Scale!" Flash realised he was in trouble now. If he didn't draw a Pendulum Monster with a scale of eight or higher, he wouldn't be able to summon Flash Heart the next time he was destroyed. What's more, Rampage Smasher roared as his power increased. (A3000/D2200/R5)

Yona smiled and pointed at Flash Heart. "Rampage Smasher. Destroy Flash Heart Dragon Alpha!" The Xyz Monster charged forward, roaring as it leapt into the air and swung its metal fist down onto Flash's ace.

The dragon exploded, a blast of wind flying across the field and hitting Flash. "Augh!"

Yona: 2500
Flash: 2700

As Flash staggered back, Yona smiled and called an end to her turn. Flash stood up and as he did, he looked at the card in his hand. Pendulum Blaster. A Spell that wouldn't help him right now. "Gotta hope for something I can use. Come on, give me Magna Sheep." He drew his card and when he saw what it was, he frowned.

It was a Pendulum Monster. But not one that would let him summon Flash Heart.

"Focus on what you have, not what you don't. I summon Reflector Scale Magna Serpent!" In a flash of light, the robotic snake appeared with a satellite dish around its neck. (A1600/D1300/L4/P7)

Sonata: "Flash couldn't Pendulum Summon his Flash Heart Dragon. Does he have a plan for these two monsters?"

"Flash no do damage with those monsters," Yona stated.

"Maybe not them," Flash replied. "But they can help me summon something that'll get the job done for me." As he said that, his monsters glowed. "I now use these two monsters to build the Overlay Network!" They leapt into the air, as a black hole appeared in front of him and the pair flew inside. "Shatter the chains, forged by the laws of physics and burst open the door to limitless possibilities!" The black hole exploded, unleashing a burst of brilliant light. "I XYZ SUMMON!"

The light faded, revealing Flash's monster. "Reality Buster Dragon!" (A2000/D2000/R4) The two Xyz monsters stared each other down, Yona looking a little worried. She knew what that monster could do. "Reality Buster Dragon. Attack Rampage Smasher!"

"Not good," Gallus gulped.

Fizzlepop nodded. "Flash couldn't get rid of Rampage Smasher, so he's using it against Yona." They watched, as the Xyz Monster flew forward and raised its sword. But before it could attack, Flash activated the monster's ability.

One of the Overlay Units flew into the sword and as it swung the blade towards Rampage Smasher, the caveman threw a punch towards him and the two connected.

The impact created a shockwave, which caused both Flash and Yona to stagger back. And whilst Flash was unharmed by the attack, Yona felt her Life Points drop. "Augh!"

Yona: 1500
Flash: 2700

Sonata: "Ouch! That had to hurt. Flash dealt Yona a serious blow and will get to do it again next turn. She's gonna be in trouble, if she can't find a way to overcome that monster next turn."

"I end my turn," Flash announced. His Xyz Monster leapt back, ready to defend him the next turn. Meanwhile, Yona stood on the edge of the mountain and almost fell over. But she managed to push herself back to the Duel Field as Rampage Smasher and Berserking Beast gave her a worried look.

"Yona's turn." She reached for her deck and drew her card. As she did, the collar around her monster's neck glowed. (A2700/D2200/R5) Yona checked her card and nodded before playing it. "Yona activate Spell Card. Berserking Hunt." A flash of light revealed a pair of dice, one red and one blue. "Yona roll and if blue dice higher than red dice, Yona draw difference. If red dice higher than blue dice, Yona discard difference or take three hundred damage for each."

"But you don't have any cards in your hand," Flash pointed out. "If red hits six and blue hits one, you'll lose all your Life Points."

"Yona willing take chance," she told him. "Now, DICE ROLL!" The two dice flew into the air and spun around, eventually falling towards the ground. When they hit the mountain, they started bouncing around as they showed different numbers. Sometimes, it showed red with a six and blue with a one. Other times, it showed blue with a five and red with a four. At another they were both on number two.

Eventually, the red stopped moving and landed on three. Everyone watched, wondering what the blue one would land on. And eventually, it came to a stop and showed the number six.

Yona smiled. "Now Yona draw three cards." She did so and quickly played one. "Yona play Overlay Cheat. Now Yona can use Xyz Monster skill, without removing Overlay Unit!" Rampage Smasher roared, as his glove started spinning once again.

Sonata: "Yona is really trusting in her luck right now. After getting a good roll on her last turn and even on this turn, she's praying for another good roll here. Will the universe let her get that."

Everyone watched as the numbers slowed down again. Six...three...five...two...one. "Yes!" Yona cheered, seeing the number she needed. "Yona destroy Reality Bust Dragon!" Flash could only watch, as the Xyz Monster punched the air and sent another blast of air towards his Xyz Monster.

It slammed into it, destroying his monster and leaving him defenceless. "Not good." It was made even worse, when Rampage Smasher once again powered himself up. (A3000/D2200/R5)

"Rampage Smasher. Attack Flash directly!" The Xyz monster charged, but Flash was ready.

"Go, Beacon of Hope!" The card flipped up and Flash reached for his deck. "This card lets me look at the card of my deck and if it's a monster, I can summon it!" He drew his card and when he saw what it was, he smiled. "I summon Magna Caster, Tempusidium!" In a flash of light, a steampunk sorceress appeared with an hourglass on the end of her staff. (A1000/D1800/L4)

Yona watched her get into a defensive stance and as she did, the young girl activated a card in her hand. "Yona play Quick-Play Spell. Berserking Pierce. This give Berserking Monster piecing damage this turn!" Rampage Smasher glowed, as he gained a new ability and slammed his fist into the Magna Caster.

The resulting explosion caused a shockwave, which slammed into Flash and knocked him back. "AUGH!"

Yona: 1500
Flash: 1500

Flash hit the ground and skidded along it for a moment, eventually stopping right before he fell over the side of the mountain. "Ow." He looked over at Yona, who placed a card face down and ended her turn.

Sonata: "Flash managed to save himself from a defeat, but he still took a lot of damage. This Duel is really starting to heat up now. How will Flash manage to overcome such a powerful card?"

"It's my turn," Spike drew his card and quickly played it. "I'll activate my own Graceful Charity!" He drew three cards and discarded two, nodding when he saw what he had whilst the portal formed above his head. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"

Smolder watched the portal open before a pair of fireballs flew out of it, hitting the ground and exploding to reveal the two monsters Spike would be using. "Underling Dragon!" (A500/D500/L2)

"And Flame Tracker Dragon!" (A1300/D300/L3) "Now!" Spike called out, as his monsters flew into the air. "I'm gonna tune these two monsters together!" Everyone watched, as Flame Tracker burst into flames and created a trio of fire rings before Underling Dragon flew into them. "Burning spirit, erupt into a wildfire of power!" The ring exploded and created a blazing sphere. "I SYNCHRO SUMMON!"

The flames receded, revealing his monster "Flame Hunter Dragon!" (A2300/D1300/L5/P8) "Since Flame Tracker was used to Synchro Summon, I can add one Fire monster from my deck to my hand." A card slotted out of his Deck, whilst his Synchro Monster was surrounded in a veil of fire. "And since Underling Dragon was used as a Synchro Material, the monster summoned gets a power boost. (A2800/D1300/L5/P8)

Aria: "Which monster will Spike chose to destroy? Will he go after Air Dragon Brawler, hoping to deal more damage? Or Magma Dragon Brawler, so Smolder won't be able to power it up and destroy his monster?"

"Flame Hunter Dragon! Attack and destroy Magma Dragon Brawler!" The flaming wyvern leapt into the air and unleashed a blast of fire, which flew down towards Smolder's Fusion Monster and completely destroyed it.

"Augh!" Smolder cried, getting knocked staggering back as her Life Points dropped.

Spike: 3450
Smolder: 2700

Spike placed a card face down. "I end my turn." As he said that, Flame Hunter Dragon's ATK power returned to its base level. (A2300/D1300/L5/P8)

Smolder staggered forward, seeing she was in a particularly perilous position. But she wasn't about to let herself be beaten so easily. "It's my turn!" She reached for her deck, "I draw!" She quickly played the card she had drawn. "I play Dragon Brawler's Brigade. With this, I can draw a card for every Level four or below Dragon Brawler on my field or in my graveyard." Air Dragon Brawler glowed, whilst the ghostly forms of Dark, Flame and Rock Dragon Brawler appeared.

Aria: "That's four cards. Smolder's gonna need them, if she wants to have any hope of stopping Spike's powerful monsters."

Smolder drew her cards and smiled when she saw them. "I summon, Sea Dragon Brawler!" A tornado of water shot out of the ocean, then curved around and slammed onto the deck. From it, the blue clothed dragonic street fighter appeared. (A1200/D1100/L3) Spike gasped, as he realised what was coming. "Now I use Sea Dragon Brawler's special ability." The dragon fighter raised her arm and sphere of water appeared. "Any ATK Position Monsters are switched to DEF mode. And all your DEF Position monsters return to your hand."

Spike braced himself, as Sea Brawler smashed the sphere onto the deck. It exploded, unleashing a wave of water that slammed into Spike and his monster. "Augh!" Spike was thrown backwards and crashed into another mast, whilst Shieldranoid was swept away and Flame Hunter was forced into DEF Mode.

As the card reappeared in Spike's hand, he let out a moan whilst Air Dragon Brawler cracked his knuckles. "Air Dragon Brawler. Attack and destroy Flame Hunter Dragon!" The warrior leapt into the air before diving down towards Spike's monster.

Spike picked himself up, but could do nothing as the monster slammed his fist into the Pendulum Synchro and destroyed it.

Aria: "There goes Spike's monster. Here's hoping he has some way to defend himself. If not, he's gonna be in for a world of hurt right about now."

"Sea Dragon Brawler! Get him!" The female street fighter flew forward and covered her fist in water, which she used to punch Spike right in the gut.

Spike: 2250
Smolder: 2700

"Oh!" Those watching all winced, seeing the air being knocked out of Spike's lungs. "That had to hurt," Trixie frowned.

"Too bad his face down didn't protect him," Sweetie stated. "I wonder what it is?" The others were wondering the same thing, since it didn't help protect Flame Hunter or shield Spike from the direct attack.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Wallflower announced as Spike was recovering from the impact. At the same time, Smolder discarded a card.

"And once again, I activate the Deck Master Ability of Goddess with the Third Eye!"

"Oh, great." Spike watched, as the woman's third eye opened again and unleashed a beam of light. That beam formed a portal, which Air and Sea Dragon Brawler leapt into.

"The brutal forces of wind and water, will now merge to become an even greater force." A figure appeared in the light before it exploded, "I FUSION SUMMON!"

The light faded and revealed Smolder's monster. "Ice Dragon Brawler!" (A2300/D1200/L6) "And now, Ice Dragon Brawler's ability kicks in!" The warrior fists misted up before it punched the air, sending out three icicles that flew towards Spike's side of the field. They slammed into the ground, on either side of his face down. "Now that he's on the field, three of your Spell or Trap Zones are useless."

Spike knew the effect. He also knew that if it destroys a monster, Smolder would deal damage to him equal to the destroyed monster's Level. "This is gonna be tricky." He watched as Smolder placed a card in her Spell and Trap Zone before ending her turn.

"It's my turn!" Flash reached for his deck and drew it, smiling as he played it. "Go, Starburst Reload!"

Yona watched, as a portal opened up and Flash Wing Magna Pegasus flew out of it. The monster disintegrated, as Flash drew four new cards. When he saw what it was, he nodded and played one of them.

"I'll start by resetting the Pendulum Scale, with Scale five Charge Horn Magna Bull!" A pillar of light appeared and within it, the robotic minotaur appeared. The portal then began to form above Flash's head. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"

The portal opened and a single light shot out of it, hitting the ground and exploding to reveal Flash's monster. A serpent-like dragon with large wings. "Go, Space-Warp Dragon!" (A800/D1200/L3)

"What's he thinking?" Sandbar asked. "That tiny thing won't stand a chance against Yona's Rampage Smasher."

"Maybe not," Sunset nodded. "But that thing has some pretty strong abilities, based on who has more cards removed from play." They all went through the Duel and tried to count.

"I think Yona has more cards," Ocellus replied. "What does that mean?"

"It means Space-Warp Dragon's ATK power doubles when it attacks," Fizzlepop stated. "But that won't help against Rampage Smasher." She then realised something. "Unless Flash is planning something else."

"I activate the Spell Card, Reverse Polarity." Flash played the card and both Space-Warp and Rampage Smasher glowed. "With this, our monster's ATK Points swap." (A3000/D1200/L3) (A800/D2200/R5)

Sonata: "Wow! Flash managed to completely turn the tables on Yona. What's more, his monster's ATK power will grow even stronger when he attacks with it."

"Space-Warp Dragon, attack!" The dragon roared, as it flew up into the air and prepared to attack. "And since you've got more cards removed from play than me, Space-Warp's ATK doubles!" The dragon glowed, as a portal opened up in front of the creature. (A6000/D1200/L3)

But as it flew into the portal, Yona activated her face down. "Trap Card, go!" The card flipped up to reveal a Trap. "Berserking Healer! Let's Yona gain Life Points equal to any monster on field." A woman in caveman robes appeared, holding a bowl full of some kind of green liquid.

"I don't think so!" Flash discarded a card and Solaris leapt into the air. "I activate my Deck Master's effect!" Flash discarded a card and the Magna Caster swung his staff around before pointing it at Yona's Trap, unleashing a blast of fire that burned it to ashes."

Sonata: "Oh! Yona's in real trouble now. If that had worked, she would have had almost eight thousand Life Points. But now, she just might be up a creek without a paddle."

The portal opened and Space-Warp Dragon appeared, letting out a roar and charging forward to crash into Rampage Smasher. This resulted in an explosion that covered the battlefield, unleashing a shockwave that almost knocked Flash over.

Everyone watching figured the Duel was over. But then, the smoke began to disappear and revealed that Yona was still standing alongside Rampage Smasher.

Yona: 750
Flash: 1500

"What?" Flash asked, as Yona smiled. "What happened?"

"Yona use Berserking Healer's other effect. Banishing it and paying half Yona's Life Points, lets her negate any battle damage." Flash was amazed by this, as Space-Warp Dragon flew back over to him.

Sonata: "Wow! Flash seemed to have Yona completely beaten, but she managed to survive and Flash is in real trouble. As soon as he ends his turn, their monster's ATKs will return to normal. And Flash's doesn't have nearly enough ATK points to save him."

"I place a card face down and end my turn." Sure enough, Space-Warp Dragon and Rampage Smasher's ATKs returned to normal. (A800/D1200/L3) (A3000/D2200/R5)

"YEAH!" Gallus cheered, "go Yona!"

"Don't think she's won yet," Scootaloo told him. "My brother wouldn't have done that last move if he didn't have a way to protect him if it failed."

"Maybe," Silverstream smiled, "but Yona might have a way to stop that protection. All she needs is the right card." They turned to the screen, as Yona reached for her deck.

"Yona draw!" As she did, the collar around her monster's neck glowed again. The Xyz monster flinched, as its ATK power dropped again. (A2700/D2200/R5)

Sonata: "Even with her monster losing power, it's still strong enough to wipe Flash out."

Yona checked her card and smiled before activating it. "Yona use Spell Recovery!" The top card of her Deck flew off and disintegrated, as a portal opened before a card flew out for her to catch. Flash frowned, as Yona quickly caught it and activated it. "Now, Yona play Rank-Up-Magic, Berserking Force!"

"Not good," Flash gulped. He watched, as the back hole formed above Yona's head.

"Now, Yona can once again rebuild Overlay Network!" Rampage Smasher morphed into a light and flew into the black hole. "Smash apart and rebuild stronger. That Berserking way. Now Yona smashes this monster, to make a more powerful beast!" The black hole exploded. "RANK-UP XYZ SUMMON!"

The light began to fade and when it did, it revealed the larger more insane version of Yona's Xyz monster. "Berserking, OBLITERATION SMASHER!" (A3000/D2100/R6)

"Really not good." Flash had seen what this thing could do in the Double X. If her roll landed right, Yona would wipe out all the cards in his Spell, Trap and Pendulum Zones.

"Why'd she do that?" Sweetie asked. "Her monster was strong enough to destroy Space-Warp."

"Maybe," Wallflower nodded, "but Flash played a card face down last turn. If it's a Trap that can stop her monster and possibly destroy it, she should try and get rid of it. But she's taking a big risk"

"Big risks are what Yona does best," Silverstream announced. "Watch. I bet she'll win this coin toss." They watched, as the light around Obliteration Smasher flew into its glove.

"Yona use monster's skill!" With that, the glove's round orb lit up and started swapping between a red X and a blue O. Everyone watched with baited breath. The entire Duel could come down to this outcome.

Sonata: "This is it, folks. Will Yona get the roll she needs. Or is this it for her time in the Cyberse Tournament?"

Slowly, the symbols started slowing down. X...O...X...O...X...O...X...Everyone watched, thinking this could be the result. But then, the symbol changed to an O and it glowed. "YES!" Yona cheered, as her monster raised its gauntlet before swinging it down and smashing it into the ground.

A powerful shockwave shot out across the mountain top and slammed into Flash's Pendulum Monsters and Face Down. Lunara and Rolleren cried out before they exploded, along with Flash's Face Down. Said Face Down was the Trap, Security Orb, Flash staggering back as he reached for his Deck.

"Since Security Orb was destroyed, I can draw one card." He did, as Obliteration Smasher began to glow.

"Three Cards destroyed by Skill," Yona announced. "So Smasher gets five hundred ATK points for each one." (A4500/D2100/R6) "Obliteration Smasher! Destroy Space-Warp Dragon and end Duel!" The Xyz monster flew towards Flash's dragon, who was a complete sitting duck.

Meanwhile, Flash didn't look the least bit worried. And as the monster swung its fist at his, a portal opened at his feet. "Skill of Magna Caster, Tempusidium!" The female spellcaster appeared and swung her staff around, creating a shield around Flash. "By banishing her, I can negate any battle damage."

"What?" Yona gasped, as Flash and his bubble suddenly vanished into thin air.

The attack landed and Space-Warp was destroyed, but the resulting explosion had nothing to hit and as soon as the shockwave died down, Flash reappeared. "Nice try."

Yona frowned, as Obliteration Smasher snarled.

Sonata: "Wow. Flash must have known Yona had Obliteration Smasher waiting in the wings, so he kept Tempusidium in reserve in case she destroyed his Trap. Now that's thinking ahead. But with Obliteration Smasher at over four thousand ATK points, how can Flash possibly hope to defeat it?"

"Yona end her turn," Yona announced. "One turn. That all Flash buy. Next turn, Yona smash you."

"We'll see," Flash looked at the card Security Orb had gotten him. Star Fang Magna Tiger. Not something he could use right now. He needed something big. If he didn't get it, he was gonna be in serious trouble.

"My turn!" Spike drew his card and as he did, the portal began to form above his head. "I PENDULUM SUMMON!"

The portal opened and two fireballs flew out and struck the deck, exploding to reveal Spike's monsters. "Flame Hunter Dragon!" (A2300/D1300/L5/P8)

"And Scorcher Dragon!" (A1200/D700/L3) As soon as the monsters appeared, Flame Hunter leapt into the air. "Since Flame Hunter was Pendulum Summoned, his ability kicks in. Now, I can blast away your face down card."

"Not if I activate it!" Smolder announced, her face down flipping up. "Go, Threatening Roar. Now you can't attack this turn." The card unleashed a powerful sonic blast, which hit Spike's field and surprised his monsters. Moments later, Flame Hunter unleashed a blast of fire and destroyed the Trap, but the effect was still active.

Aria: "Smolder knew Flame Hunter was coming, so she placed a card she could use even if the dragon tried to destroy it, Smart."

Scorcher Dragon then flew up, its entire body bursting into flames as it shot towards the Synchro Monster. "Now watch!" Spike cried, as the flames split into three. "As I tune my two monsters together to form an even mightier beast!" The flames carved a circle of fire, which Flame Hunter leapt up into. "Cast your flames across this battlefield, and burn everything that is weak to ashes!" Everyone watched as his monsters were consumed by an explosion of fire. "I SYNCHRO SUMMON!"

The flames died down to reveal his Synchro Pendulum monster, who hovered above the ship for fear of sinking it. "Dragonic BLAZELORD!" (A3000/D2000/L8/P4) "Blazelord's skill!" Fire began to seep out from between the planks of the deck, splitting into six and taking shape. "For every Dragon in my Graveyard, he gains two hundred ATK points."

Smolder watched, as Drag-Blader, Curse of Dragonfire, Armored Wyvern, Flame Tracker, Underling Dragon and Scorcher Dragon appeared as flaming ghosts. They were then sucked into Blazelord's mouth, the dragon swallowing as its power rose. (A4200/D2000/L8/P4)

"Too bad all that power's wasted," Smolder smirked. "An attack with that thing would have dealt me some serious damage, but you can't thanks to Threatening Roar. Even if you use your monster's skill, the damage will be nothing compared to what it could have been."

"True," Spike nodded. "But every point matters. And every loss of point matters. Dragonic Blazelord, use your special ability!" The dragon raised his sword and with one mighty swing, unleashed a wave of fire that slammed into Ice Dragon Brawler.

The warrior flinched, as his eyes began to melt along with the icicles impaling Spike's Spell and Trap Zone. Eventually, he couldn't take anymore and was destroyed. Smolder was then hit, crying out as she took four hundred points of damage.

Spike: 2250
Smolder: 2300

Aria: "Spike has managed to gain the absolute narrowest of leads. How will Smolder try to counter against such a powerful beast? Will she try and blast it away with some powerful monster? Destroy it was a Spell? Or attempt to use a Trap to de-power it? Does she even have a way to defeat Spike's monster? Only time will tell."

"I place two cards face down and end my turn." As the cards appeared, Blazelord roared as his power returned to its base level. (A3000/D2500/L8/P4)

Smolder reached for her deck and prayed for something strong. Something she could use to beat Blazelord. Something she could use to save herself if she couldn't destroy his monster. Something. "It's my turn. I draw!" When she saw what she'd gotten, she smirked and played the card. "I activate the Spell, Dragon Brawler's Grace! With this, I can send a Dragon Brawler with fifteen hundred ATK or Level to the graveyard. Then, I can draw cards equal to its Level."

Spike watched, as a Dragon Brawler in yellow clothing appeared before exploding. "Level three Spark Dragon Brawler.

"Which means, I get three new cards!" She drew them and smiled when she saw what they were, as she quickly played one. "Next, I'll activate The Warrior Returning Alive." This card lets me add a Warrior-Type monster in my graveyard back to my hand. So I'll add...Air Dragon Brawler."

"Not good," Spike gulped.

"Not good for you," Smolder retrieved the monster and instantly summoned it. "Arise!" Another powerful tornado exploded onto the deck, revealing Smolder's green street fighter. (A1800/D1000/L4) "Now, Air Dragon Brawler, destroy Spike's Repulser Dracokid!" Spike gasped, as the warrior leapt into the air before punching it.

A blast of wind exploded off of his fist and shot towards Spike's Pendulum Monster, destroying it. "Augh!" He staggered back, as his Pendulum Scale was broken.

Aria: "Oh! Now Spike won't be able to Pendulum Summon again. But with Blazelord still on his field, he won't need to Pendulum Summon. What could Smolder be planning?"

"Now," Smolder held up another card, "it's time to summon one of my best monsters." Spike gulped, having a itching feeling he knew what card was coming next. "I activate, the Spell, Dragon Soul Fusion!" A portal opened at Smolder's feet before Sea and Spark Dragon Brawler flew and stood beside Air Dragon Brawler. "With this, I can banish any number of Dragon-type monsters from my field or grave and fuse them together!"

"Oh, great." Spike watched, as a portal opened up and the three monsters exploded. Their energy particles flew up, being absorbed into the vortex. As they were, Smolder began to chant.

"Water...wind...lightning. Three great forces of nature, that will now come together and create a monster with the power of a raging tempest!" The portal exploded, unleashing a brilliant light that blinded Spike and his Dragonic Blazelord. "I FUSION SUMMON!"

The light began to fade, revealing Smolder's most powerful monster in all his triple elemental glory. "STORM DRAGON BRAWLER!" (A3000/D2500/L8)

Spike stared at the warrior, whose body was unleashing waves of wind, water and sparks of lightning. Once Smolder had everything she needed, it would become exceptionally powerful. "I can handle this," Spike told himself.

In the control room, Twilight watched as her brother and her husband faced off against some very powerful opponents.

The pregnant woman stared at the screen, knowing that she should be feeling impartial to the four competitors. But she couldn't help it. She wanted Flash and Spike to win their Duels. She wanted them to face off against one another in the Finals.

She had hoped the pair would end up facing off in the finals, but had done nothing to make sure they kept away from one another until then.

Every match up had been completely random. The only way they could end up in the finals now was to win against these powerful opponents, they might not be able to. But she refused to give up that hope. She knew these two had what it took to make it to the finals. And when they got there, she was going to look forward to seeing which of the two really were the best.

The Cyberse Tournament had been a big success so far. Twilight had no doubt that everybody in the world would want to take part when it was released. Now this was all about the Duelists. About who could prove themselves the best of the best.

Would Flash or Spike stand victorious. Or was a younger champion about to be crowned. Only time would tell.

Author's Note

The Duels are really heating up. Who will come out on top? Will Flash and Spike make it through, or will Smolder and Yona be the surprise finalists? Only time will tell.