Edit

I've gone back to Chapter 47 and changed the Link Markers of D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus. You'll understand why once you reach the duels.

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to guardian of the aura Aurasoul, Daemon of Wrath, HunterHQ, LoneTaker, savagemaster1999, SakushiRyu, Zeromk7, Jasom, ZarcEternal, Zero Shadow-01, yuman28, electriuser, Anonymous, Noobmaster, DivadX, D3lph0xL0v3r, Unknowedz, Ethan Kironus, Jason, Unnamed, JaneValentine007, FlameFireZero X, LazinessRules, pokemonking0924, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 51.

HunterHQ: I already answered this in a PM, but just in case anyone else wants to know: the difference in software protection between SOL's profiles on people and Earth's data is massive. It's the difference between breaking into an office building to steal a pen from the lobby, and breaking into the CEO's office to steal his desk.

Zeromk7: Interesting idea, but not one I think I'll use.

Unknowedz: No, Terminus has his season 1 design.

I hope all of you enjoy Chapter 52. Despite the content, I'll admit it's a bit of a breather considering what happened last chapter, but I hope that doesn't deter anyone or make you think less of it.

Chapter 52: Recruitment

In a black landscape, Morningstar and Zahhak stand back-to-back. The two walk away from each, Morningstar's eyes closed. His eyes then open and they both spin around, right arms raised. Their fists connect, generating a flash of light. When the light fades, Mirror LINK VRAINS is shown, with the title "Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories" overlaying it.

Yasutake, Sachi, and Masako are shown on one side of a picnic table, across from Yusaku, Takeru, and Aoi. Takeru talks animatedly and Masako laughs heartedly while the others lightly smile. At a nearby table, Cam and Emily are sitting and chatting with a standing Kusanagi, coffee and hotdogs in front of them. Back at the first table, Masako whispers in Sachi's ear while smirking, making the other girl blush as Yasutake and Aoi give her flat glares.

Kengo Dojun is standing in front of a grave that he places flowers on. Emma is off in the distance, holding her own flowers and watching with a frown. Yukaro is shown slumped over a hospital bed, his head in his hands and a wild look in his eyes. Akira is watching a monitor, his hands steepled and concern in his eyes. The monitor shows Go Onizuka strapped to a chair and performing an exercise. Hayami looks over Akira's shoulder nervously while Queen watches smugly in the background.

Takeshi and Katsumi appear standing outside an arcade, talking amicably with each other. Shizuka walks past them, listening to music on her headphones. She briefly stops and turns her head to look at them out of the corner of her eye, then turns and continues walking. At a nearby table, Kenshin, Ryoken, and Spectre are shown drinking coffee. Ryoken then smirks and raises his left hand. He snaps his fingers.

Morningstar and Playmaker appear, back-to-back, with Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary and Decode Talker appearing behind them. They then spiral downward and are replaced by Cassiel and Soulburner, who have Cyseraph Blazing Uriel and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Heatleo fills the screen with orange flames, and when they dissipate, Blue Girl and Lilith appear, Trickstar Holly Angel and Magical Musket Mastermind Ottokar behind them. They are then replaced by Galahad and Persephone, Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss behind them.

The screen cuts to the interior of a palace, where Bohman sits cross legged, his eyes closed. His eyes open and glow. Windy is then shown, wearing a cape and eyepatch, riding Stormridership Bahamut Bomber through Mirror LINK VRAINS. Far below him, in a field of flowers, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the Ignis raises his hand, a legion of Armatos Legio Centurions and Decurions forming behind him, with Armatos Legio Magnus Dux in the center. The screen pans to show Diana and Goldie across from the Light Ignis. The duo sweeps their right arms to the side as VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera appears and roars.

Techbane and Sylphid are shown back-to-back in shadows, their heads lowered. Techbane raises his head to face a cloaked man, while Sylphid raises hers to face Thaumiel, anger in her expression. Galahad appears riding his D-Board and plays a card. Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos appears behind him. The screen changes to Go Onizuka, now much thinner with a blank look on his face with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle next to him. Soldier of Chaos's blade then meets King T Wrextle's fist, making sparks fly. Galahad's and Go's faces are shown over the monsters, with Galahad shouting while Go's face remains blank.

Spectre appears and smirks, Sunavalon Dryanome growing behind him and two Sunvine Thrashers on either side. Terminus takes his place, Subterror Behemoth Fiendess and Subterror Behemoth Hydrossuary appearing behind him. The two monsters breathe blue flames and envelop the screen. When the flames dissipate, Revolver appears, Borreload Savage Dragon, Borreload Furious Dragon, and Borreload eXcharge Dragon behind him. The dragons roar and then glow with green, purple, and yellow energy.

A chain whips across the screen, before pulling back and reattaching the scythe top to its handle. Cydevil Prideful Helel swings its scythe down and connects with Cyspirit Savage Shogun's sword. Sparks fly as Morningstar and Zahhak are revealed on their D-Boards, facing each other with Morningstar's face set in a grimace. The screen changes to Cassiel, Cyseraph Guardian Michael with her, facing off against a cloaked man with a beard, who is supported by two women, the first in black robes and the second in purple and white robes and hat while also holding a staff.

Lilith and Terminus are then shown, back-to-back, their hands raised. They bring their hands down, and Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar and Subterror Behemoth Fiendess appear and shoot blasts of energy and fire. The blasts impact, but when the smoke fades, Jester is shown unharmed. His mask then breaks, his face splitting into a sadistic grin as his Infinity Transformation takes hold. He raises his own arm as Life Force Trihexa forms behind him and roars.

Morningstar and Zahhak face off against each other in a field of flowers. The former raises his arm as Cyspirits Savage Shogun, Cosmic Crusader, and Martial Mameluke materialize behind him. The three Cyspirits then merge and form Cyspirit Superior Seraphim, who faces off against a massive twelve-winged figure wrapped in shadows.

Yasutake is then shown with Sachi, the two on a hill of grass and the former sleeping with his head in the latter's lap, a pine tree in the background. Sachi looks down on Yasutake's face, a loving smile on her face. Yasutake opens his eyes and both look upwards as the screen jumps to the sky and sun.

"SOL Technologies… did what?" Takeru asked with wide eyes.

Yasutake frowned, closed his own eyes, and interlaced his fingers. "According to Terminus, they dissected Earth. Broke him down into source code."

"They… they killed him?"

The teenager sighed. "Basically. He's been broken down to the point that not even Goldie might be able to revive him."

The duo were sitting at a corner table at Café Junpei, each nursing a coffee and a pastry – a blueberry scone for Yasutake and a slice of coffee cake for his friend. Takeru had come by after school while Yusaku had gone to Café Nagi, which was parked by Stardust Road. And they weren't alone.

"Those bastards," Flame muttered, his arms crossed. The café was closed as Cam was on another date with Emily Garcia, but Yasutake had made a few treats and coffee for the two of them, as well as some for Takeru to take to Yusaku and Kusanagi. "I can't believe they would kill Earth."

"I can," Cypher growled. The Silver Ignis had been in a foul mood since Kenshin had told them about Earth's fate yesterday. Yasutake had wanted to tell Takeru and Yusaku about it, but Kenshin had told him to wait. He said Ryoken wanted to tell Yusaku himself. So Yasutake had agreed and decided to only tell Takeru. "That company doesn't see us as living things. They see us as their property, as if we belong to them. They don't care if we have free will or not. They only care about money."

"Cypher," Yasutake said, frowning with worry. Takeru shared his concern for the Ignis.

"I hate them," Cypher said suddenly, clenching his fists. "I hate SOL Technologies. I hate Go Onizuka for capturing Earth, I hate this 'Queen' person for killing Earth, I hate Zaizen for not even trying to save him!" The Ignis growled. "At least the Knights of Hanoi acknowledge us as alive, even if they want us dead. But SOL doesn't even give us that! You know, I'm starting to see why Lightning wants to fight humans!"

"Cypher!" The Ignis gasped and turned to his partner, who was watching him with concern. The Silver Ignis calmed down and crossed his arms.

"I'm okay, Yasu," he said softly. "I know there are good humans out there. Humans like you, Sachi, Cam, Takeru, Yusaku, and Kusanagi. Humans that want to live alongside us. It's just… I'm so frustrated and angry right now."

"I know," Yasutake said softly. "We all are."

The four fell into an uncomfortable silence until Takeru broke it. "So Cam's on a date right now?"

Yasutake nodded, thankful for the change in subject. "With Emily Garcia. I think this is their third date. He wanted to stay here and work, but Sachi and I convinced him he needed a break. And luckily, Ms. Garcia showed up to give him an excuse."

"I'm glad Cam's relaxing. After what happened yesterday, we all need a break." Takeru frowned in thought. "What about Sachi and Himura? I saw the former leave after we arrived, and the latter wasn't at school."

"Masako isn't going back to Den Academy," Yasutake explained. "She's not sure how long she'll be staying in Den City, so she wanted to avoid the hassle. Right now, she's with her uncle, meeting her nephew. She didn't get the chance last time, and she wanted to make up for lost time." Takeru nodded in understanding. "As for Sachi, she's spending time with Aoi Zaizen."

Takeru nodded again but kept frowning. "Zaizen… she knows about you two?"

Yasutake nodded. "She knows about me being Morningstar and Sachi being Cassiel, yes. Hell, she helped Sachi become Cassiel. She doesn't know about you and Yusaku though," he added after a second. "We've made it clear we aren't telling her."

"I'm not worried about either of you spilling secrets," Takeru assured him. "I'm just worried about Sachi. She… didn't take the news well, did she?"

Yasutake frowned and shook his head. "No, she didn't." After Kenshin had told them, Sachi had slipped into silence and hadn't spoken throughout their time at the café. When the two of them and Cypher left – Masako had stayed with Kenshin to talk a while more – she had immediately grabbed his hand and held on tightly. Yasutake, uncertain of what to say, had just held on as tightly as she did.

"Hopefully, some time with Aoi will help calm her down."

Sachi frowned as she stared at the person across from her. "So… you're Cam's ex-girlfriend? The one who tried to send me to the hospital?"

Emma chuckled nervously. "Um, yes, I suppose so. Emma Bessho. It's nice to properly meet you, Sachi."

"…You too." Sachi smiled at the nervous woman. "You don't have to worry; I know you only suggested it because you were concerned. Whatever issues Yasu and Cam have with you, I don't share them."

Emma blinked and then smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Sachi. I suppose that attitude of yours is why Aoi likes you so much."

"Emma," Aoi grumbled and took a sip from her drink. The three women were sitting at a juice bar, Aoi at Sachi's side and Emma across from them. Sachi had wanted to spend time with Aoi, but Aoi had been with Emma already, so Sachi had joined them.

Emma smiled at Aoi before turning back to Sachi. "So, considering recent events, I'm guessing you're Cassiel?"

Sachi nodded. "And you're Ghost Girl." She frowned to herself. "Back in LINK VRAINS, Aoi said you wanted to protect the Ignis. So do you… know what SOL did to the Earth Ignis?"

Emma blinked and then frowned, an expression mirrored by Aoi. "Yes, I do. Aoi and I were able to see it happen." Sachi's grip on her drink tightened.

"Why?" she whispered. "Why would they do that? Why would they…?"

"…Because they don't consider the Ignis to be alive."

Sachi turned to look at Aoi, who bore a complicated expression. "To SOL, the Ignis are company property. They have the right to do what they want with company property." Aoi's frown worsened as she looked at her drink. "I wasn't sure what the Ignis were, but after watching that… I asked my brother what an Ignis is. And he believes them to be alive. That what SOL is doing is wrong. But he's powerless to do anything about it. He can't oppose his bosses."

"…Is that why you want to protect the Ignis?" Sachi asked. "To help your brother?"

"…It was at first," Aoi admitted. "But after watching them dissect the Earth Ignis… I don't know. I don't want to see that again. And I don't want another Ignis to suffer like that." Aoi turned to Sachi. "There's an Ignis based off of you, right?"

Sachi frowned and nodded. "Yes. Goldie. I met her a few days ago."

"Really?" Emma said, interested. "But she didn't partner up with you?"

The teenager shook her head. "She… hurt me during the Lost Incident. She didn't intend to; in fact, she was trying to help me. But she still blames herself for it and didn't want to hurt me again. She's partnered up with a woman named Diana though. And we have no idea what she's planning."

Emma frowned. "Well, if the Gold Ignis is partnered up, and the Light and Wind Ignis are the enemies, that means Aqua, the Water Ignis, is the only one who hasn't chosen a side."

"SOL will be hunting her now," Aoi realized with a frown. "Emma-."

"You don't have to ask," the woman interrupted with a smile. "You and I will track her down and protect her."

Sachi looked between her tablemates. "Let me help." The two blinked at her. "I'm not too good with computers, but I don't want to just stand by and be helpless like what happened with Earth." She frowned to herself. "I might not have been there, but I would have liked to do something. Please, let me help you."

Emma and Aoi shared a glance before the latter nodded. Emma sighed. "Sure, you can help us. Just be sure to tell Narahiko and Cam about it; I don't want those two accusing me of kidnapping."

Sachi nodded. "I will."

"Good." Emma smiled again. "How do you feel about a sleepover?"

"Hey, dad! How are you and mom?"

"We're good, Yukaro. Your mom just got a new client. She's going to cater his boss's birthday."

Yukaro frowned. "Business has been slow though, hasn't it? This is the first client I've heard of in a while."

His father chuckled over the phone. "You don't have to worry; we've saved up enough to last us a while, and it's not like my job hasn't been slow. What about you? Did you make any new friends?"

"Yeah, a few," Yukaro lied. He hadn't spent any time with anyone in Den City aside from his fellow bounty hunters or SOL employees, and the only one he could say he spent any significant time with was Shizuka. But after the announcement about Thaumiel, he hadn't heard anything from her. Of course it was only a day since then but still… considering her reaction to Zaizen's announcement, he couldn't resist an inkling of worry.

The dampening of his mood continued as he frowned and asked the dreaded question. "How… how is grandfather?"

The silence on the other end was telling. His father sighed. "He doesn't have much time left," he said reluctantly. "Maybe another two or three months, give or take?"

"Is it too late for the treatment?"

"No, but the closer we get to the deadline, the more expensive it's going to be. And they need time for the treatment to take effect. At least a month."

Yukaro grit his teeth in frustration. He had come to Den City for Playmaker's bounty, the best chance he had to pay for the operation that would save his grandfather's life. But he was running out of time. And he was nowhere near close to getting that bounty.

If only he'd won against Go. Maybe that AI chip would have given him the chance he needed…

Yukaro sighed. "I'll think of something, dad. I'll just need to think harder."

"You don't need to do this, Yukaro," his father said. "Your grandfather insists he has accepted his time. He doesn't want you to destroy yourself over this."

"Yeah well, that's my decision to make, isn't it? I'll talk to you later."

"Yukaro-."

The teen ended the call and silenced his cellphone before pushing it into his pocket with another sigh. He leaned back against the back of the bench and looked around. He was sitting at a bus stop, having just eaten lunch when his father called him.

Yukaro groaned and rubbed his forehead. "What am I going to do?" he muttered. Even if his grandfather had accepted his pending death, Yukaro hadn't. Not for the man who taught him everything he knew about dueling. There had to be something he could do, some advantage he could gain…

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself, for starters."

Yukaro blinked and removed his hand, looking up at the voice. It belonged to a tall middle-aged man, his silver hair cut short and swept backwards, a Van Dyke beard on his weathered face, wrinkles around his blue eyes. He was dressed smartly, wearing a forest green suit over a white shirt.

"Oh." Yukaro blinked. "Uh sorry. Did I disturb you?"

"Not at all," the man said, shaking his head. His voice was deep and resonant. "I just arrived in time to see your distress." He offered a friendly smile as he sat down next to Yukaro. He offered his hand. "My apologies for interrupting your moment. My name is Benjamin Wilson."

Yukaro looked at the hand before hesitantly shaking. "Yukaro Saiba." He raised an eyebrow. "Are you American?"

"British, actually."

"Huh. I can barely hear an accent."

Benjamin chuckled as their hands fell to their sides. "I've done a lot of traveling for my work. I've had to learn a lot of languages over the years. I have a particular fondness for Japan; I've found myself coming here on vacations numerous times."

"Well, I'm glad you like it. Are you on vacation now?"

The older man sighed. "I'm afraid my trip this time is all business. My employer asked me to come to Japan after I finished my work in Europe."

"Must be a pretty demanding job if it has you going from Europe to Japan."

"Oh it is, but the benefits more than make up for it." Benjamin smiled as he leaned back. "Do you have a job? Or are you a university student? Forgive me for assuming, but you look older than a high schooler."

"I am, but I'm not a student. As for work… well, I work mostly from home these days."

"Ah. Many people do so. I wish I could do that, but my boss is very insistent on me being present; he says it helps keep up morale."

The two chuckled lightly. The good mood continued as the two men chatted about inane things. Until Benjamin broke the ice.

"My apologies for bringing this up, but I am both curious and concerned. Before we spoke, you looked rather despondent; has something terrible happened?"

Yukaro frowned and considered whether he should tell this stranger about his problems…

Oh, to hell with it. This man seemed like he had good experience; maybe he could give Yukaro some advice.

"More trying to stop something terrible from happening." Yukaro told Benjamin about his grandfather's illness and how he needed money to pay for the treatments.

Benjamin frowned. "I see. I'm terribly sorry for bringing up such a sad topic."

Yukaro shook his head. "Don't be. Honestly, I could use some advice."

Benjamin chuckled. "Well, that's what an old man like me is best at."

"You don't look that old."

"I'm fifty-six, young man; compared to someone your age, that's really old."

Yukaro chuckled again. "You have a point there; my parents are only in their forties."

Benjamin smiled before frowning in thought. "Well, a treatment like what you're talking about would be expensive; rather awfully so. Have you considered taking out loans from the bank?"

"I've thought about that, but I won't be able to pay the loans back in time. Neither could my parents; the treatment's just too expensive."

"I see." Benjamin sighed. "Well, I hate to say it, but I can't think of a way to help you. Unless… no, that's foolish."

"What? What's foolish?"

Benjamin shook his head. "Forget I said that; it's nothing you need to worry about."

"Come on, if it can help me save my grandfather, I'll do it!"

"Well…" Benjamin hesitated and then sighed. "You could come work with me."

Yukaro blinked. That… hadn't been the response he'd expected. "Work for you?"

"With me," Benjamin corrected. "My boss is currently looking for new workers, at the same position as me. You wouldn't start at my level immediately; you would need to prove yourself first. But if you do so, he'll pay generously."

"Enough for my grandfather's operation?"

Benjamin smiled. "Money is no object for my employer."

"Oh. Is he one of those rich eccentric types?"

"Something like that." Benjamin reached into his breast pocket and held out a business card. "Don't give me an answer immediately; think it over please." Yukaro took the card. It had Benjamin's name and a phone number. And the company name…

"Alba Research?" Yukaro read out loud. "I've never heard of that company. Where's it based?"

"Our central facility is in Germany. Munich, in fact. But we have branches across the world. Our Japan branch has been getting a lot of business over the last month or so, in fact."

"What do you research?"

"A little bit of everything really. Price is no object, so long as the work has practical applications."

Yukaro frowned. "I don't know; research isn't really my thing. I know a few computer things, but I'm not sure if that's enough."

"You don't have to worry; the work is very flexible, and most of us learn on the job." Benjamin pushed himself to his feet; the bus had arrived. "Think my offer over, please. If you decide to accept, give me a call." He smiled warmly at Yukaro. "I can tell you have serious potential, Mr. Saiba. I would like to see that potential applied to something worthwhile." He stepped onto the bus, leaving the young man to think his offer over.

As the bus drove away, Benjamin couldn't help but smile to himself. I wonder what choice you'll make, Techbane, he thought. And who you will make it for.

Yasutake looked up as the door to Café Junpei opened and Cam walked in. "Hey. How was your date?"

"It was good," Cam replied, stepping behind the counter and hanging his coat up. "We went to dinner and saw the newest Star Wars movie."

Yasutake raised an eyebrow. "How many are there now?"

"Eh, I lost count." Cam frowned as he crossed his arms. "I also got a text from Sachi. She's having a sleepover with Aoi Zaizen. And Emma."

Yasutake frowned. "She messaged me too. Are you going to try and stop her?"

After some time thinking, Cam sighed. "No. She'd just resent me if I did. And while I don't trust Emma with her, I do trust Miss. Zaizen." His frown deepened. "I know I need to stop smothering her; she's sixteen now, and far more adjusted than she used to be. I just…"

"You worry," Yasutake said in understanding. "I do too, but we need to trust her. And trust aside, it's good she has friends she can rely on other than us."

"I know you're right, but I don't have to like it." Cam leaned against the counter. "Anyway, Kusanagi and I will be going through LINK VRAINS's surveillance, see if we can't catch Aqua before anyone else. We'll need you, Takeru, and Yusaku on standby."

The teenager nodded in understanding.

Sachi looked around Emma's apartment with an appraising eye. "This is a nice place," she said. "I guess your work pays well."

Emma, her hair tied up as she worked on a computer, nodded. "That it does. But I do like my creature comforts; I know Narahiko and Cam are more utilitarian than anything."

"You say that like it's bad," Sachi said, sitting on one end of the couch. Aoi was resting on the other end; she hadn't gotten much sleep last night, so Emma offered her the couch to rest. "It just means they're thrifty."

"It means they're cheap," Emma countered, a light grin on her face to show she didn't mean anything bad by it.

Sachi opened her mouth to defend her brother and roommate, only to gasp in surprise as Aoi shot up, awake.

"Up already?" Emma said, looking at her friend. "You should sleep a little longer."

Aoi frowned. "I was dreaming." She slid her feet off the couch and patted the seat next to her. Sachi took the hint and scooted over.

"If it was about a date with a handsome guy, go back to sleep," Emma suggested amusedly. "If you're lucky, you can continue the dream."

Aoi gave the older woman an unimpressed glare. "It wasn't like that. My dream was about Miyu Sugisaki, a girl I often played with in the park as a kid."

Emma hummed in curiosity but kept her attention on her computer. Sachi looked at her friend curiously. "You haven't told me about any other friends," she noted.

Aoi smiled at her. "It was a long time ago. I haven't seen or heard from Miyu in ten years." She turned to Emma. "By the way, what are you doing?"

"SOL Technologies will capture Aqua if I don't hurry up," Emma answered. "I trust that Cam and Narahiko, along with Playmaker's friend are doing the same thing, but I don't want to trust this to them."

"You know where Aqua is?" Aoi said in surprise.

"No, but I have an idea with high likelihood of success," Emma clarified.

"What is it?" Sachi asked. The two girls stood up and walked to Emma's side.

"I can't find the Ignis's location, but I can find Blood Shepherd's," Emma explained.

Sachi's eyes widened. "Blood Shepherd? The bounty hunter that trapped Yasu?"

"The same. Since Go Onizuka captured his prey, he must be desperately searching for the neutral Aqua. So if we track Blood Shepherd, he'll lead us to Aqua."

Sachi and Aoi nodded in understanding. "But because Blood Shepherd is so dangerous, we'll need to move quickly to protect Aqua," Aoi reasoned. Emma nodded in confirmation.

"When we do, I'll send a message to Yasu and Cam, and they'll tell Playmaker and Soulburner," Sachi suggested. The other two women agreed with her idea.

A beeping sound from Emma's laptop made her eyes widen. "There! I've found him!"

"Let's go in!" Aoi declared. All three girls put on their Duel Disks.

Yukaro laid back on his bed, turning the card in his right hand over. Alba Research, he thought. It sounds like a good opportunity. Maybe even too good. But… what other option do I have?

He had already lost to both Playmaker and Morningstar. And the only means he knew of to get stronger, the AI chip, had already been given to Go Onizuka. He'd tried getting stronger on his own but that hadn't been enough, and SOL either couldn't or was unwilling to help him, having placed their chips on Onizuka.

Yukaro sighed and pushed himself up. "What the hell?" he wondered aloud. "How bad could it be? I can at least hear him out before I make a decision."

He picked his phone up, and ignoring the couple missed calls from his father and mother, he called the number on the card.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Mr. Wilson. It's me. Yukaro Saiba."

"Ah, so it is. My apologies, but I wasn't expecting a phone call this late at night."

Yukaro looked out the window. Yeah, it was pretty dark outside. "I figured I should let you know my decision as soon as possible."

"Oh?"

"Your offer? I think I'll take you up on it."

"Really? You wish to work with me?"

Yukaro shrugged. "It can't be worse than my current job. And who knows; I might end up doing something more meaningful."

Benjamin chuckled. "That's the same thought I had when I was recruited. But I should tell you something first; in order to be considered for the position, you need a recommendation from an employee."

The young man frowned. "Are you not willing to make me one?"

"I did not say that; I just would like to see a demonstration of your skills before I decide."

"A demonstration. Well, sure. Do you have a place we can meet in the morning, or-?"

"That won't be necessary; we can do the evaluation now." Yukaro blinked.

"Right now? How?"

"In LINK VRAINS, in a duel."

"A duel?"

"Alba Research has considerable interest in Duel Monsters and its applications," Benjamin explained. "In fact, we make a point of recruiting duelists we believe have potential. Does this interest you?"

Yukaro couldn't help but smile. If it was a duel, then he would ace this evaluation no problem. "Sure, it's fine by me."

"Excellent. I'll tell you the coordinates to meet me at."

Benjamin listed them then ended the call. Yukaro put his Duel Disk on.

"Into the VRAINS!"

Techbane looked around. The coordinates Benjamin had given him led to a rented building on LINK VRAINS's central island. Pushing the door open, he walked in and found himself in a dark brown auditorium.

"Thank you for coming. I see your avatar name is listed as Techbane. A very interesting name."

Techbane blinked and swore a man just materialized out of thin air in the center of the auditorium. He was tall, with short, brushed back white hair and a Van Dyke beard, emerald-green eyes, and a wrinkled face. He wore a dark green kimono with a jacket over it, with a black belt holding up dark green hakama pants, and black sandals. It was a very classical avatar, and if Techbane hadn't known better, he would have sworn the older man in front of him was Japanese and not British.

"Here in LINK VRAINS, I am known as Merlin," the older man said. "Do you wish to begin the evaluation, Techbane?"

He nodded and planted his feet. "Yes. I'm ready!"

Merlin nodded. "Very well. Be advised that I will not be holding back, and I expect the same of you." He raised a dark green diamond-shaped Duel Disk with a black screen.

"Duel!"

Merlin: 4000 LP

Techbane: 4000 LP

"I shall take the first turn," Merlin said. "I summon Witchcrafter Pittore!" A blonde girl with her hair in a braid wearing a green tunic over a pink skirt appeared.

Witchcrafter Pittore ATK 1000 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

Techbane blinked. Witchcrafter? I've never heard of that archetype.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Witchcrafter Bystreet. While this card is on the field, my 'Witchcrafter' monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects once per turn." Merlin gestured to his field. "Pittore's effect activates! By Tributing it and discarding a Spell Card, I can Special Summon a different 'Witchcrafter' monster from my Deck." The girl disintegrated, as did a card in Merlin's hand. "Come to me, Witchcrafter Haine!" A silver-haired woman in a skintight black dress and robes appeared in Attack Position, a curved bronze staff with a green orb floating next to her.

Witchcrafter Haine ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 7

"I now activate Pittore's effect in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I can draw a card, then send a 'Witchcrafter' card from my hand to the Graveyard." Merlin drew then discarded. "I end my turn. But during my End Phase, the effects of the Witchcrafter Collaboration and Witchcrafter Holiday in my Graveyard activate! As they are in my Graveyard while I control a 'Witchcrafter' monster, I can add them to my hand."

Techbane narrowed his eyes. "Spell Cards with self-retrieval effects," he muttered.

Merlin took his cards, then bowed lightly to Techbane. "It is your turn, Techbane Please, go all out. Show me what you are capable of."

"As you wish. My turn! Draw! I summon Cyber Dragon Core!" A segmented mechanical gray worm with a red dot in its chest appeared.

Cyber Dragon Core ATK 400 DEF 1500 LVL: 2

"Core's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can add a 'Cyber' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyberload Fusion to my hand."

"Cyber Dragon?" Merlin said in surprise. "That's a rather rare Deck. It's impressive that you have it."

"Thanks. I activate the Spell Card: Machine Duplication! This lets me target a Machine monster I control with 500 or less attack points, then Special Summon up to two monsters from my Deck with the same name." Techbane smirked. "And while Core is on my field or in my Graveyard, its name is treated as Cyber Dragon!" Merlin's eyes widened. "So I'll Special Summon two Cyber Dragons!" Two white mechanical dragons with yellow eyes appeared and roared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5 x 2

Merlin chuckled and lightly applauded. "Very impressive; not many people would realize such a tactic is possible."

"Since I Special Summoned Cyber Dragon, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come, Cyber Dragon Vier!" A new mechanical serpentine dragon, this one with purple marks over its body, appeared in Defense Position.

Cyber Dragon Vier ATK 1100 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"So long as Vier is on my field, each Cyber Dragon I control gains 500 attack and defense points. And while Vier is on the field or in the Graveyard, its name becomes Cyber Dragon."

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100→2600 DEF 1600→2100 x 2

Cyber Dragon Core ATK 400→900 DEF 1500→2000

Cyber Dragon Vier ATK 1100→1600 DEF 1600→2100

"An impressive lineup," Merlin noted. "However, with Bystreet in play, the most damage you can inflict is 1300. But I suspect that isn't what you have planned, correct?"

"You are right." Techbane raised his right hand. "Appear, the circuit of mechanical evolution! The summoning conditions are two Machine monsters, one of which must be Cyber Dragon! I set Core and Cyber Dragon in the Link Markers!" His dragons entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyber Dragon Sieger!" A larger mechanical serpentine dragon, this one with blue eyes and blue hexagons covering its body emerged from the Link portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2100→2600 LINK-2 ←↓

"Next I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyberload Fusion! This lets me Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck that lists a 'Cyber Dragon' monster as material by shuffling the Fusion Materials into my Deck, provided they are on the field or banished. I fuse Cyber Dragon and Vier treated as Cyber Dragon!" His monsters broke apart into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. The particles turned into streams of energy that soared upwards before merging into a violet whirlwind. "Twin-headed dragon! Let your evolution take hold! Fusion Summon! Rise! Cyber Twin Dragon!" A new white mechanical dragon emerged from the whirlwind, this one with two heads that roared in sync from Sieger's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyber Twin Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2100 LVL: 8

"Since Vier left the field, Sieger's attack points return to normal."

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2600→2100

"I now start the Battle Phase!" Techbane declared. "and because it hasn't declared an attack yet, I activate Sieger's effect! One Machine monster I control with 2100 or more attack points can gain, until the end of the turn, 2100 attack and defense points!" Merlin's eyes widened. "I target Cyber Twin Dragon for this effect!"

Cyber Twin Dragon ATK 2800→4900 DEF 2100→4200

"Ah, I see." Merlin nodded with a smile. "Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice. And with Bystreet preventing Haine's destruction the first time, I'll end up taking 5000 points of damage. You came up with a good strategy."

"You told me that I shouldn't hold back, so I'm not!" Techbane reminded him. "Battle! Cyber Twin Dragon attacks Witchcrafter Haine! Evolution Twin Burst!" The right dragon head fired a stream of blue energy at the woman in black as Merlin smiled.

"Indeed, I did say that," Merlin confirmed. "But I also said that I wouldn't be holding back either." He pointed to his field. "Haine's effect activates! By discarding the Spell Card Witchcrafter Holiday, I can destroy one face-up card you control!"

"What?" Techbane gasped.

"I'll destroy Cyber Twin Dragon!" The orb in Haine's floating staff fired a beam of energy that collided with Techbane's Fusion Monster's attack. The beams stalled for a second until the green overpowered the blue and Cyber Twin Dragon exploded, making Techbane growl and hold his arm up to shield his face.

The bounty hunter grit his teeth. "The turn Cyberload Fusion is used, my other monsters cannot attack. Even if Sieger could attack, you take no damage from battles involving it the turn its effect is activated. I Set one card. I end my turn."

Merlin looked over Techbane's field and frowned. "I must admit, your strategy was a very solid one. But it was inefficient, with numerous holes in it."

Techbane blinked. "Holes? Like what?"

"Your timing of Cyberload Fusion, for starters," Merlin said. "It is a Quick-Play Spell Card, so you could have used it during the Battle Phase. Meaning you could have attacked with your other monsters before Fusion Summoning. Even if Haine destroyed one of your monsters, you still would have had enough to bring out your Cyber Twin Dragon. The additional attacks would have allowed you to win. But instead you used it during the Main Phase. Why is that?"

"I… I…"

"Hmm. I see." Merlin's eyes narrowed. "You are distracted; the Cyber Dragon Deck is a very powerful Deck, but you aren't using it to its full potential. Something is clearly holding you back. But what is it? Lack of knowledge of your Deck? I find that unlikely; you wouldn't have come up with that Machine Duplication combo if you weren't. No, it's something more… personal, isn't it?"

Techbane frowned as Merlin's words hit close to home. "I… That doesn't matter."

"But it does matter," Merlin countered. "If you hold yourself back, the only ones you hurt are yourself and the people who count on you. If there is something holding a friend back, wouldn't you try and help them?"

"I…"

Merlin sighed. "My apologies; it is not my place to ask such personal questions." He smiled encouragingly. "This duel is for me to evaluate your skills, and so far you've shown good promise. But it will be your response to my turn that tells me the kind of duelist you are. My turn! Draw!"

Merlin looked at the card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Painful Choice. This card has me reveal five cards from my Deck, then you must choose one to add to my hand. The other four are then sent to the Graveyard."

Techbane grimaced as five cards appeared in front of him. He was familiar with the card Painful Choice; more often than not, anyone who used it did so not to add a card to their hand, but to send the others to the Graveyard. If Merlin was as smart as he seemed, then there was no right card to choose, only one that would do the least damage.

The five cards were Witchcrafter Unveiling, Witchcrafter Patronus, Witchcrafter Draping, Witchcrafter Madame Verre, and Witchcrafter Masterpiece. Hmm. Going by their effects, the one that would benefit Merlin the least in the hand was…

"I'll add Witchcrafter Unveiling to your hand," he said. Merlin smiled as he took the new card, then sent the others to the Graveyard.

"Thank you for choosing quickly; I don't wish to waste time. So I'll get to the point." He pointed to his field again. "Haine's effect activates! By discarding a Spell Card, I can destroy your face-up card. However, if my 'Witchcrafter' monster would discard for its effect, I can send Witchcrafter Bystreet to the Graveyard instead." Merlin's Continuous Spell Card disintegrated. "I'll destroy Cyber Dragon Sieger!" Another beam of green energy shot out and struck said mechanical dragon, destroying it and making Techbane grimace.

"Now I will activate the Spell Card: Witchcrafter Collaboration, and target Haine for its effect. Now for each Battle Phase this turn, Haine can attack twice. And when it attacks, you cannot activate Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step."

Techbane gasped at Merlin's words. "Battle! Haine attacks you directly!" The woman raised her left hand as several daggers materialized in the air. The daggers shot off and hit the ground around Techbane before exploding, making him cry out in pain.

Techbane: 4000→1600 LP

"Another attack will put an end to the duel," Merlin said. "Is that how you wish for this to end?"

"No!" Techbane growled as he pointed to his own field. "Trap activate! Wolf in Sheep's Clothing! Since I took battle damage from a direct attack, I can Special Summon a Level 1 monster from my hand and a monster with the same name from my Deck. Come, two copies of Cyber Valley!" Two small mechanical serpents with red orbs on their sides appeared, both in Defense Position.

Cyber Valley ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Merlin blinked and chuckled. "So you do have this card. I'm well aware of its effects. Still, this duel is show the best of your abilities. Haine attacks Cyber Valley!" More daggers appeared and shot toward one of the mechanical serpents.

"Cyber Valley's effect activates! When it's targeted for your attack, I can banish it to draw a card and end the Battle Phase." The serpent disappeared, leaving the daggers to shoot past and Techbane to draw.

"As expected. I hope you get good use of that card. I Set one card. I end my turn." Merlin frowned. "Keep your focus this turn. If you wish to win, then you must play as best as you can."

"I know. I…" Techbane grit his teeth.

"What is it?"

After a few seconds, Techbane sighed. "You asked what's holding me back. I guess it's… the knowledge I'm not deserving."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "Not deserving? Of what?"

"Of the Cyber Style." Techbane frowned. "I'm a descendant of Kaiser Ryo Marufuji. I've been trained in this Deck since I was a child. And you were right; it is a strong Deck. And yet since I've come to Den City, I haven't won a single match. I know that I can win with this Deck, but I haven't been able to. So why? Why do I keep losing?"

Merlin pursed his lips in thought. "There are many reasons why one loses," he said eventually. "Chief among them is chance. Another is the opponent is just smarter or has better cards. But going by your words and your previous turn, I think I know the reason behind your loses." Merlin's eyes narrowed. "Techbane… you don't believe you deserve the Cyber Dragon Deck, don't you?"

Techbane took a step back in shock before composing himself. "I…" His frown deepened. "I… don't. My grandfather is the one who taught me to duel, who taught me the Cyber Style. But when he got sick, I became a bounty hunter to earn money to save him. And you know what he did? He denounced me, he told me that I wasn't worthy of inheriting the Cyber Style. I wasn't ready to wield it, and me stealing the Deck proved it." He grit his teeth. "Tell me, was it wrong for me to do what I did? I did it to save his life, but I brought dishonor to the Cyber Style's legacy. Is what I did wrong?"

"…No." Techbane looked up to see Merlin smile kindly at him. "It is not wrong to want to help someone. Even if that person does not want your help, it is not wrong to do so." The older man closed his eyes. "Now I see the truth. Your grandfather holds a great influence over you. And because of his disapproval, you believe you don't deserve the power you hold. This leads you to subconsciously hold back and make mistakes." Merlin opened his eyes. "Techbane, you are wrong to believe that. Because you believe you aren't worthy of your Deck, you hold back. That weakens you. So I'll tell you what you need to hear: You are worthy of your ancestor's legacy. You are worthy of wielding the Cyber Dragon Deck."

Techbane gasped and then smiled. "I… Thank you, Merlin. I promise I'll repay your faith. I'll give it my all this turn! My turn! Draw!" Techbane smiled at his card. "I activate the Spell Card: Cyber Repulsion!" The card showed Cyber Twin Dragon, blue energy streaming from its mouths and annihilating a wall of stone. "Until the end of the turn, you cannot target my Light Machine monsters with monster effects, and if my Light Machine Fusion Monster destroys your monster, you take damage equal to half that monster's original attack points."

Merlin blinked. "That's quite a powerful card."

"Since Cyber Dragon is in my Graveyard, I can activate the Spell Card: Cyber Repair Plant, which lets me add a Light Machine monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add my last Cyber Dragon to my hand. Then, I'll Normal Summon Cyber Dragon Drei!" A serpentine mechanical dragon with yellow markings on its body and a set of wings at its midsection appeared.

Cyber Dragon Drei ATK 1800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Cyber Valley's effect activates! By banishing it and Cyber Dragon Drei, I can draw two cards." Techbane's two monsters disappeared as he drew. "Since only you control a monster, I can activate Core's effect in my Graveyard, banishing it to Special Summon a 'Cyber Dragon' monster from my Deck. Come, Cyber Dragon Nachster!" A small serpentine white mechanical dragon with blue lights along its body and a set of wings appeared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon Nachster ATK 200 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"Nachster's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Machine monster from my Graveyard with 2100 attack or defense points. Resurrect, Cyber Dragon Sieger!" The larger mechanical dragon with blue hexagons covering its body reappeared.

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2100 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyber Revsystem! This lets me Special Summon Cyber Dragon from my Graveyard." The mechanical dragon reappeared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization, and fuse Nachster treated as Cyber Dragon via its effect with the Cyber Dragon on my field and the Cyber Dragon in my hand!" His monsters broke apart into red, blue, and green particles that swirled into a vortex. Three whirlwinds of energy shot upwards from the vortex before merging into a violet tornado. "The mechanical dragon that rules the world. Become one with your brethren and take flight! Fusion Summon! Rise! Cyber End Dragon!" A massive three-headed mechanical dragon with large wings emerged from the whirlwind and roared from the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Cyber End Dragon ATK 4000 DEF 2800 LVL: 10

Merlin smiled and applauded. "Well done. You managed to recoup your loses and even bring out your true ace monster. And thanks to your Cyber Repulsion Spell Card, I cannot use Haine's effect to destroy Cyber End Dragon this time."

"And thanks to its second effect, you'll take enough damage from Haine's destruction to win the duel," Techbane said. "I start the Battle Phase, and activate Sieger's effect! Cyber End Dragon gains 2100 attack and defense points until the end of the turn."

Cyber End Dragon ATK 4000→6100 DEF 2800→4900

"Battle! Cyber End Dragon attacks Haine!" The three heads opened their mouths and started to gather energy as Merlin gestured to his field.

"Trap activate!" he declared. "Back to the Front! This Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position!"

Techbane gasped. "The monster from Painful Choice…"

"Correct. Resurrect, Witchcrafter Madame Verre!" A blue-haired girl in pink robes appeared, holding a blue staff.

Witchcrafter Madame Verre ATK 1000 DEF 2800 LVL: 8

Techbane narrowed his eyes as he remembered Madame Verre's effect. "Her presence won't change the result of this turn. Cyber End Dragon resumes its attack!"

"I'd hold back on the declarations for a moment," Merlin said. "I activate the effect of Witchcrafter Masterpiece in my Graveyard. By banishing it and any number of Spell Cards, I can Special Summon a 'Witchcrafter' monster from my Deck with the same Level as the number of banished Spell Cards. I banish Collaboration, Holiday, Bystreet, and Draping from my Graveyard to Special Summon the Level4 Witchcrafter Schmietta!" A redheaded girl in shorts, boots, and a white shirt that exposed her midriff appeared in Attack Position, armed with a complex staff made of gears.

Witchcrafter Schmietta ATK 1800 DEF 600 LVL: 4

Techbane blinked. "Schmietta?" He lowered his head. "I don't know what you're planning, but I'll go for it. Cyber End Dragon, attack Schmietta instead! Eternal Evolution Burst!" The mechanical dragon finally released its attack, firing three beams of energy at the redhead.

"I activate the effect of Witchcrafter Patronus in the Graveyard!" Merlin said. "By banishing it, I can add any number of banished 'Witchcrafter' Spell Cards to my hand. I'll add Collaboration, Holiday, Bystreet, and Draping to my hand." The four cards appeared in Merlin's hand as Techbane's eyes widened in realization.

"No," he muttered. "You're-!"

"Yes," Merlin confirmed. "Madame Verre's effect activates! When my Spellcaster monster battles your monster, I can reveal any number of different Spell Cards in my hand, and for each card, my monster gains 1000 attack and defense points until the end of the turn. I reveal six Spell Card: Witchcrafter Collaboration, Witchcrafter Holiday, Witchcrafter Bystreet, Witchcrafter Draping, Witchcrafter Unveiling, and Witchcrafter Scroll. So Schmietta gains 6000 attack and defense points!"

Witchcrafter Schmietta ATK 1800→7800 DEF 600→6600

"7800 attack points," Techbane muttered. "This means…"

"Yes. It is over." Merlin pointed to his monster. "Counterattack Schmietta!" The redhead grinned fiercely as she swung her staff like a bat, hitting Cyber End Dragon's beams and knocking them off-course, making them strike the ground around them and explode. The young woman leapt into the air with a cackle as she brought her staff down on Cyber End Dragon's head, bashing it in and making it explode. Techbane gasped as he fell to his knees.

Techbane: 1600→0 LP

Merlin walked up to the kneeling boy and stood over him. Techbane sighed. "So that's it, then? I failed the evaluation?"

"…No. You passed."

Techbane blinked and looked up at the smiling Merlin. "What? But I lost."

"The purpose of the duel wasn't to win; it was to show your strength and adaptability. And you managed that beautifully." The man offered his hand. "I will need to speak to my employer, but you meet his criteria easily. It shouldn't be long before you're hired." His smile widened. "And I promise you; we'll help you save your grandfather."

Techbane looked from his face to the proffered hand. He smiled and took it.

Cassiel, Blue Girl, and Ghost Girl all smiled at each other. "That went well," Blue Girl said. The three were hiding in a storage room, shelves and boards lining the walls. Said storage room was part of a massive puzzle program that Ghost Girl had made to trap Blood Shepherd. And to protect Aqua from him.

Said Ignis popped up from behind Blue Girl's shoulder. The Ignis's body was light blue, with darker blue raindrop shaped markings over her body. She had wide hips and twin pigtails that levitated next to her head, along with pink eyes and eyelashes.

Blue Girl looked at the Ignis. "Don't worry. We're your allies."

Cassiel nodded. "We won't let SOL do to you what they did to Earth."

Aqua looked from Blue Girl to Cassiel and then back before jumping into the air. "We came here to protect you, so don't worry," the former assured her.

Aqua stared at the girl before replying. "This is the second time you've saved me." Blue Girl blinked in surprise. "I have the ability to distinguish between lies and truth. Your current appearance is fictional. The true you is… Aoi."

The human women all blinked. "How do you she's Aoi?" Cassiel asked. "Have you met before?"

Blue Girl shook her head. "I don't remember meeting you."

"The first time you saved me was ten years ago," Aqua explained as she sat in Blue Girl's hand. "To be accurate, you didn't save me, but a girl named Miyu."

"Miyu?" Blue Girl repeated in surprise.

"You remember her?"

"Yes, I remember. It was after I lost both my parents in an accident." Blue Girl frowned to herself. "My brother and I had nowhere to live, so we were traveling from city to city. While my brother was away, I always played by myself. I didn't know how to make friends, and I felt that I didn't need friends."

Blue Girl blinked as she felt a pressure and turned and stared at Cassiel, who had placed her hand on Blue Girl's left shoulder with a comforting smile. Blue Girl smiled back at her. "But one day, a girl approached me and wanted to play. I was in shock. No one had ever been that friendly from the start." Her smile turned introspective. "From then on, Miyu would play with me at the park every time. I was happy. She was my first friend. I was alone and sad, but Miyu saved me. But it ended suddenly."

Blue Girl's smile turned into a frown. "Miyu brought her mother's ring to the park one day, but it fell down a nearby drain. When her mother showed up, I told her I lost the ring. Her mother took her away, and we never played again. Then my brother's job ended, so I had to leave the city without seeing her again. And I haven't seen Miyu since."

"Aoi," Cassiel said softly, her hand tightening on the other girl's shoulder.

"She always remembered that you saved her," Aqua said. "She promised to see you again and apologize."

"Wait a sec!" The two human girls and Ignis turned to look at Ghost Girl. "How do you know her, Ignis?"

Cassiel's eyes widened in realization. "You said ten years ago," she whispered. "So then Miyu was-!"

"Yes," Aqua confirmed. "Miyu was a victim of the Lost Incident. And I'm the Ignis created from her."

"She's a victim? Like Cassiel?" Blue Girl exclaimed. "Where's Miyu?"

Aqua narrowed her eyes. "After the Light Ignis imprisoned me, he put a computer virus in her," she said, a hint of anger in her voice. "Because of him, she's in a deep sleep."

"No way," Blue Girl said, frowning alongside Cassiel and Ghost Girl.

"I attempted to remove the virus. But the Light Ignis is very strong, so my power couldn't do a thing. But then, a fragment of her memories flowed into me. I learned she had a precious memory that she couldn't forget."

"How surprising." They turned to look at a smiling Ghost Girl. "That there's a connection between Aqua and Blue Girl. In that case, there's only one thing for me to do."

The other three blinked as Ghost Girl stood up. "What are you doing?" Blue Girl asked.

"I'm going to deal with Blood Shepherd," she answered. "Stay here and stay safe."

They watched as the older woman left and Cassiel shook her head with a smile. "That's rather out of character for her. She must really like you, Blue Girl."

"I guess so," Blue Girl agreed.

"You…" Aqua turned to look at Cassiel. "You are familiar to me, too. But it's only a feeling. Who are you?"

The girl smiled. "I'm Cassiel, a friend of Blue Girl's. And if you know me, then it's because I'm a Lost Incident victim too."

"You are?" Aqua blinked. "I see. This feeling reminds me of the Gold Ignis. You're her origin?"

"She goes by Goldie now, and yes." Cassiel frowned. "But she refused to partner with me. She's operating on her own, with a woman named Diana."

Aqua's eyes dipped in sympathy. "I'm sorry. I have fond memories of Goldie, even if she was distant."

"It's alright," Cassiel assured her. "But she isn't the only Ignis I'm working with. I'm living with Morningstar, the partner of Cypher, the Silver Ignis."

"The Silver Ignis?" Aqua blinked. "I had thought him… I am glad to hear he is alive. When he disappeared, I was forced to assume the worst."

Cassiel smiled at the relieved Ignis. "If you want, we can ask Cypher to help cure Miyu. It's Lightning's virus that forced her into a coma, and he's the best at breaking down Ignis programs. He might be able to do something."

"…Yes, he might be able to." Aqua nodded. "Thank you for the offer, Cassiel. When you see him next, please ask him for me."

Cassiel opened her mouth to resp-.

BOOM

The two girls and an Ignis cried out as the door blew up. They stood up, Cassiel putting herself in front of Blue Girl while the latter shielded Aqua in her hands.

"What is this?" Cassiel wondered.

"Did Blood Shepherd find us?" Blue Girl asked. When the smoke from the entry cleared, they gasped.

Yusaku blinked. "A message from Cassiel?"

Yasutake nodded. "She sent it to me a few minutes ago. She's with Blue Girl and Ghost Girl, and they found Aqua."

"They did?!" Ai said in surprise. He, Yusaku, Takeru, Flame, and Kusanagi were in Café Nagi, speaking to Yasutake, Cypher, and Cam back in Café Junpei.

"What's Cassiel doing with Blue Girl and Ghost Girl?" Takeru asked.

"She's supposed to be having a sleepover, but it seems they had other plans," Cam said with a frown.

"There's a problem though," Cypher interjected. "They're being chased by Blood Shepherd."

"What?!" Ai and Flame gasped.

"We need to save them!" Ai said, his panic clear. "If we don't hurry, that gunman will capture Aqua!"

"There's no telling what he'd do to Cassiel and the other two either," Yasutake pointed out. Takeru and Yusaku nodded in agreement. The trio headed into their sealed rooms and took out their Decks.

"Deck set! Into the VRAINS!"

Morningstar, Soulburner, and Playmaker rode their D-Boards around the structure. "This is definitely Ghost Girl's program," Morningstar confirmed, looking up at the stone tower that had manifested inside LINK VRAINS.

"She made this to outwit Blood Shepherd?" Ai asked.

"It seems so," Playmaker confirmed. He frowned. "I don't see a way in."

"Then how are we going to help them?" Soulburner asked.

Morningstar frowned. "Oh!" He blinked and looked at Cypher. "Morningstar! Look!" He turned his head and gasped.

"Over there!" He rode his D-Board down towards a hole in the structure.

"That's-!" Playmaker and Soulburner followed him to the hole. But when Morningstar reached out, a yellow barrier appeared and shocked him, making him yank his hand back with a grimace.

"A barrier?" Flame said. "Who made this?"

"Probably the same person who blew the hole in the first place," Playmaker assumed.

Cypher's eyes widened and then narrowed. "Morningstar," he said warily. "This barrier has Lightning's signature in it."

The former hunter blinked. "Lightning?!"

"He's here?!" Soulburner asked.

"No; he wouldn't risk it himself. But whoever made this hole used his program."

"Can you break it down?" Morningstar asked.

"Give me some time." Cypher held his hands up and growled. "There's multiple layers to this thing; he must have known I'd come here."

"Hurry!" Playmaker told the Silver Ignis. "We need to find Cassiel, Aqua, Blue Girl, and Ghost Girl!"

Blue Girl and Cassiel grit their teeth and looked back at their pursuers. "They're still after us," the latter noted.

"I noticed too," Blue Girl said. Aqua sat on the girl's shoulder, watching with concern.

"Surrender the Water Ignis."

"Before we are forced to take drastic measures."

The two girls scowled at the two-toned suited man. His left side was red while his right was blue.

"BitBoot," Blue Girl said. "The one Soulburner dueled against."

"Morningstar and I faced off against him, er them, too," Cassiel informed her. "They're both artificial intelligence that work for Lightning."

"Lightning is the Light Ignis?" Aqua asked. When Cassiel nodded, she said, "He must have found out Earth freed me and picked up Blood Shepherd chasing me. They must have tracked me here."

"I say again," Bit interjected. "Surrender the Water Ignis to us."

Blue Girl scowled at the combined AI. "That's not happening! Aqua is under my protection!"

"Then we will take her by force," Boot said, pressing a button on the Duel Disk on Bit's wrist. Blue Girl gasped as a red circle briefly appeared around her. A similar circle manifested around BitBoot. "This is a duel lock program. You cannot escape us now."

Blue Girl grit her teeth. "Blue Girl!" She turned to look at a worried Cassiel. She smiled.

"Don't worry," she assured her. "I'll defeat these two."

Cassiel grimaced but nodded. "Just so you know, we're going the opposite direction as Blood Shepherd and Ghost Girl; the chance of running into them is low."

Blue Girl nodded and turned back to her opponents. "Alright! I'll take you on!"

"Speed Duel!"

Blue Girl: 4000 LP

BitBoot: 4000 LP

"We'll take the first turn," Bit said. "We summon D-Scale Saber Sardine!" A blue and gray metal fish appeared.

D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK 600 DEF 300 LVL: 2

"Saber Sardine's effect activates!" Boot said. "We pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a D-Scale Token." A blue and green orb appeared in Defense Position.

BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Appear, our circuit!" BitBoot declared. "The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. We set D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A large purple and green metal fish with yellow eyes and big jaws emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↓

Cassiel narrowed her eyes. "This is just like during our duel…"

"We activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Torpedo, and equip it to Battle Coela," Bit continued. A set of black cannons attached themselves to Battle Coela's back. Blue Girl grimaced, remembering this combo from Soulburner's Duel.

"Battle Coela's monster effect," Boot said. "Once per turn, Battle Coela moves to a linked Main Monster Zone." The metal fish moved to BitBoot's right Main Monster Zone. Blue Girl and Cassiel both frowned, knowing what came next.

"I activate my Skill!" Bit declared. "Marker's Portal! Once per Duel, when our Life Points are 4000 or less, we can activate one Link Spell Card from our Deck. Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The card materialized at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"When a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles," Boot said, "its attack points are doubled during damage calculation. But if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters next to its Link Markers are destroyed."

"And since Judgment Arrows was activated via Marker's Portal, its effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by your card effects," Bit finished.

"That's the card Lightning was making when he imprisoned me!" Aqua realized, her eyes wide.

"Bohman has used this card a lot," Blue Girl remembered. "It's a really dangerous card."

"Battle Coela's effect activates!" Boot declared. "Once per turn, Battle Coela can move to the Link Marker of a card it's linked to." The giant metal fish moved to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

"Face this, Blue Girl."

"Our signature combo. Voyage to Hell!"

"We activate the effect of D-Scale Torpedo equipped to Battle Coela! For each time the equipped monster moved this turn, you take 800 points of damage!" Blue Girl gasped as the cannons on Battle Coela's back fired two missiles at her. She screamed as the missiles impacted, exploding and producing a smokescreen. Her D-Board parted the smoke, revealing the irritated duelist.

Blue Girl: 4000→2400 LP

"That's a rather vicious combo," Aqua commented, still sitting on Blue Girl's shoulder, albeit slightly frazzled.

"Even so, that's usually all they can do-."

"Not this time," Bit interrupted Cassiel.

"We've received upgrades since the last time we dueled," Boot said.

Blue Girl blinked. "Upgrades?" That sounded ominous.

"Let us show you what we mean. Since you took effect damage, we can Special Summon D-Scale Plated Albacore from our hand in Attack Position." This metal fish had a long and thin body, with light blue fins and tail, a dark blue body, and green eyes.

D-Scale Plated Albacore ATK 1600 DEF 1300 LVL: 5

Cassiel blinked. "This is new. They didn't do this last time."

"Appear again, our circuit!" BitBoot declared. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Plated Albacore and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus!" An even larger metal fish emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker, this one with six fins and a long and thin body made of black and red armor.

D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

Blue Girl blinked in surprise. "I've never seen that monster before!"

"I have!" Cassiel said. "That monster can move other 'D-Scale' monsters and attack twice per turn." Blue Girl's eyes widened before she grimaced. With Judgment Arrows, that was a dangerous combination.

"Platemail Nacanthus can do more than that now," Bit said.

"Since Plated Albacore was used to Link Summon Platemail Nacanthus," Boot said, "It cannot be destroyed by battle. We Set one card. We end our turn."

"It cannot be destroyed by battle and can attack twice," Aqua summarized. "And while linked to Judgment Arrows, its attack points will become 5200 when it battles. A dangerous field."

Blue Girl's eyes narrowed. "Even so, I can't afford to hesitate now," she said. "I won't let Lightning capture you. Not after everything you've told me."

"Blue Girl…"

The girl smiled at the Ignis. "Don't worry; I said I would protect you, so I will! My turn! Draw!" She looked at her card and smiled. Perfect. She then activated a different card. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Trickstar Light Stage! When Light Stage is activated, I can add a 'Trickstar' monster from my Deck to my hand."

"Trickstar," Bit said.

"A Deck that focuses around small amounts of effect damage that gradually grind the opponent down," Boot added.

"It is also the Deck of Charisma Duelist Blue Angel; it would seem our intelligence into Blue Girl's identity was accurate."

BitBoot smirked. "It is of no consequence though; such a Deck is powerless against Judgment Arrows."

"We'll see about that," Blue Girl countered. "I activate Light Stage's effect! Once per turn, I can target one Set card in your Spell & Trap Zone, and until the End Phase, that card cannot be activated." BitBoot's Set card darkened considerably. "During the End Phase, you must activate that card or send it to the Graveyard. I summon Trickstar Candina!" A blonde girl in an orange dress holding a megaphone appeared.

Trickstar Candina ATK 1800 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Candina's effect activates! When she is Normal Summoned, I can add one 'Trickstar' card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Trickstar Fes to my hand. I now activate the Spell Card: Trickstar Fes! This card Special Summons two Trickstar Tokens!" Two pink hearts with white wings appeared in Defense Position.

Trickstar Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

Blue Girl raised her hand. "Shine, the circuit of courage and determination! The summoning conditions are two 'Trickstar' monsters. I set two Trickstar Tokens in the Link Markers!" Her tokens entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Trickstar Holly Angel!" A woman in a blue dress with long blonde hair in a ponytail emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Trickstar Holly Angel ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Blue Angel's ace monster," Bit noted.

"It is not strong enough to overcome Platemail Nacanthus," Boot said.

"I activate the effect of Trickstar Lycoris in my hand!" Blue Girl continued. "By revealing it and targeting Candina, I can Special Summon Lycoris and return Candina to my hand." Candina disappeared as a brunette girl wearing a pink dress and wielding a sword appeared at Holly Angel's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Trickstar Lycoris ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Holly Angel's effect activates! Since a 'Trickstar' monster was Summoned to her Link Marker, you take 200 points of damage!" BitBoot winced as they took damage.

BitBoot: 4000→3800 LP

"Light Stage's effect activates! Since a 'Trickstar' monster inflicted damage to you, you take an additional 200 points of damage!"

BitBoot: 3800→3600 LP

"Holly Angel's additional effect! When you take damage from a 'Trickstar' monster's effect, she gains attack points equal to that damage until the end of the turn. Holly Blessing!"

Trickstar Holly Angel ATK 2000→2200

"I Set one card." Blue Girl smirked. "I activate the Spell Card: Trickstar Expulsion!" The card showed a bouncer kicking someone out a door into the night while Trickstars Candina and Lilybell watched with consternation. "Since I control a 'Trickstar' monster, I can return one card in your Spell & Trap Zone to your Deck! I'll return Judgment Arrows to your Deck!"

"What?!"

"I see," Aqua nodded. "It cannot be destroyed, so instead you'll remove it." BitBoot gasped as Judgment Arrows disintegrated.

"And since Judgment Arrows left the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed!" Blue Girl said. The giant metal fish began to glow.

Boot smirked. "We're afraid not. Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by card effects!" Blue Girl gasped as the glow around the monster faded. "Soulburner used the same move you used in his duel against us."

"Thus, we prepared a countermeasure in case others would try the same," Bit said.

"Do you have a way around that monster, Blue Girl?" Aqua asked. The girl in question just smirked.

"Yeah. Battle! Holly Angel attacks Platemail Nacanthus!"

"What?" Bit gasped.

"Platemail Nacanthus has more attack points!" Boot pointed out.

"Since my 'Trickstar' monster is battling your monster, I can activate the effect of Trickstar Corobane in my hand!" Blue Girl declared. "By discarding her, Holly Angel gains attack points equal to her original attack points until the end of the turn!"

Trickstar Holly Angel ATK 2200→4200

"Continue the attack, Holly Angel!" The woman held her arm to the side and summoned a red flail attached to a vine. The woman spun and swung the flail, striking Platemail Nacanthus in the head.

"Since it was Link Summoned using Plated Albacore, Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by battle!" Bit reminded her.

"But you will still take damage!" Blue Girl reminded them. The combined AI grunted as a shockwave hit them and made them fizzle.

BitBoot: 3600→2000 LP

"Light Stage's effect activates! Since a 'Trickstar' monster dealt damage, you take 200 points of damage!"

BitBoot: 2000→1800 LP

"I end my turn," Blue Girl said. "During the End Phase of the turn Trickstar Expulsion was activated, I can add a 'Trickstar' card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Corobane to my hand."

"So she can use its effect in case we attack," Boot assumed.

"Trickstar Expulsion's effect isn't the only one that activates during the End Phase," Blue Girl continued. "Light Stage's effect now forces you to either activate your Set card or send it to the GY."

"It is an obvious choice," Bit said.

"We choose to activate our Set card." Boot gestured to the field. "Trap activate! D-Scale Submergence!" The card showed D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle in the ocean, its top-half above the water. "By targeting a 'D-Scale' Link Monster we control, we gain Life Points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 600, but in exchange you take no damage for the rest of the turn."

"We target Platemail Nacanthus!"

BitBoot: 1800→3600 LP

Blue Girl grit her teeth as Holly Angel glowed. "Holly Angel's and Corobane's effects end and Holly Angel's attack points return to normal."

Trickstar Holly Angel ATK 4200→2000

"They recovered almost all their Life Points," Cassiel muttered, pursuing her lips.

"The upgrades we have received have made us far more powerful than we were before," Bit said.

"It is time to put an end to this duel, by showing the power we have received!" Boot said. "Our turn! Draw!"

"Lycoris's effect activates! Since a card was added to your hand, you take 200 points of damage!" Lycoris fired a beam from her sword and made BitBoot wince.

BitBoot: 3600→3400 LP

"Light Stage's effect activates!"

BitBoot: 3400→3200 LP

"Holly Angel's effect activates! Holly Blessing!"

Trickstar Holly Angel ATK 2000→2200

BitBoot smirked. "Quake in fear, Blue Girl. Observe the true power of our combination. We activate our Skill, Marker's Portal!"

"What?" Aqua gasped. "But you already used your Skill!"

"Three arrows, shine! Once again, we activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card was played at Platemail Nacanthus's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"How did they do that?!" Aqua wondered. "A Skill can only be used once per Speed Duel, right?"

BitBoot's smirk widened. "You are correct, Water Ignis. Bit activated his Skill last time. This time, Boot was the one who activated his Skill."

Cassiel grimaced. "They used this same trick when they dueled Soulburner," she told Aqua.

Blue Girl frowned. "It's still cheating…"

"We activate the Spell Card: D-Scale Swarm." The card showed a school of D-Scale Saber Sardines. "Since we control a 'D-Scale' monster, D-Scale Swarm lets us draw two cards."

"Since you drew again, Lycoris's effect inflicts damage for each card!" Blue Girl reminded them. The girl in question blasted the combined AI with a beam from her sword, making them grunt.

BitBoot: 3200→2800 LP

"Light Stage's effect activates!"

BitBoot: 2800→2600 LP

"Holly Blessing!"

Trickstar Holly Angel ATK 2200→2600

BitBoot grunted. "600 Life Points is a fair price to pay. We summon D-Scale Piercing Saury." A dark blue and gray metal fish with a glowing yellow front appeared.

D-Scale Piercing Saury ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Piercing Saury and Link-3 Platemail Nacanthus in the Link Markers!" His two monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows.

Blue Girl, Aqua, and Cassiel gasped. "A Link-4!?"

"Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon!" The monster that emerged from the Link portal was massive; so massive that it filled nearly the entire hallway. It was a large mechanical shark with deep silver and black armor on its back and forest green armor on its underside. Its fins and tail were a lighter shade of green, while its razor-sharp teeth were silver, and its eyes were red. The shark roared from Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker, its roar echoing through the area and making Blue Girl and Cassiel wince.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"3000 attack points!" Cassiel said in shock.

"This is bad," Aqua commented.

"Fullarmor Megalodon is the apex of our upgrades," Bit said.

"The proof of the evolution we've undergone," Boot said.

"Fullarmor Megalodon's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, we can look at your hand and send a card to the Graveyard. And if that card is a Monster Card, you take damage equal to its Level times 200." Blue Girl's eyes widened as two cards appeared in front of BitBoot. "We'll send Corobane to the Graveyard. Corobane is Level 5, so you take 1000 points of damage!" The shark opened its mouth and fired a beam of green energy at Blue Girl, who screamed in pain.

Blue Girl: 2400→1400 LP

"We Set one card." Boot gestured to their field. "Battle! Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Holly Angel!" The shark opened its mouth again and fired another beam of energy. Blue Girl grit her teeth and gestured to her field.

"Trap activate!" she declared. "Trickstar Biennial! For the rest of the turn, I take no battle damage from attacks involving my 'Trickstar' monsters!"

"But your monster will still be destroyed," Bit pointed out.

"At this point, Judgment Arrows' effect takes hold, and Fullarmor Megalodon's attack points are doubled!"

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000→6000

The beam struck Holly Angel, but Blue Girl wasn't worried. "When my 'Trickstar' monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck would be destroyed, I can banish Trickstar Fes instead!" The beam sputtered out, leaving an unharmed Holly Angel.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 6000→3000

"With Trickstar Biennial in play, you can't damage me!" Blue Girl boasted.

"Hmm. A statement made of ignorance." Blue Girl blinked. "When Fullarmor Megalodon is co-linked, it can attack every monster you control once each." She gasped at those words. "Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Lycoris!"

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000→6000

Blue Girl frowned. "'Trickstar' monsters linked to Holly Angel cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects! And due to Trickstar Biennial's effect, I take no battle damage!" The beam from Fullarmor Megalodon struck Lycoris, but dissipated soon after, leaving the girl untouched.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 6000→3000

"We end the Battle Phase."

"And since the Battle Phase is over, Biennial's effect lets me draw a card!"

Cassiel frowned in worry. "They knew about Biennial's effect, so why attack twice if it wouldn't work?"

BitBoot smirked. "It's time to show you."

"The power of our new combo. Descent to Zero!"

Blue Girl gasped as Fullarmor Megalodon's jaw opened and started to gather energy. "What's happening?"

"At the end of the Battle Phase, if you take no battle damage, Fullarmor Megalodon destroys cards you control up to the number of times it attacked."

"And for each destroyed card, you take 500 points of damage." Blue Girl's eyes widened.

"Go! Tremble before the power of Descent to Zero!" The monster released a stream of green energy that swept across Blue Girl's field. The duelist cried out as Holly Angel and Light Stage disintegrated. When the light faded, only Lycoris was left, and Blue Girl fell to a knee.

Blue Girl: 1400→400 LP

"We end our turn." BitBoot smirked. "You have only 400 Life Points left."

"And if you think you can destroy Fullarmor Megalodon by removing Judgment Arrows, you should know that our monster cannot be destroyed by card effects."

"Put an end to this foolish. Surrender the Water Ignis."

Blue Girl grit her teeth and forced herself to her feet. "Surrender Aqua? Not a chance!" She narrowed her eyes. "Miyu didn't give up during the Lost Incident, so I won't give up now!"

Aqua blinked. "Aoi…"

"My turn! Draw! I summon Trickstar Candina!" The blonde in an orange dress reappeared.

Trickstar Candina ATK 1800 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Candina's effect activates! I add Trickstar Lilybell to my hand. And since Lilybell was added to my hand outside of a draw, I can Special Summon her!" A small girl with pink hair in pigtails wearing a red-and-white dress while holding a bell appeared in Attack Position.

Trickstar Lilybell ATK 800 DEF 2000 LVL: 2

"Three Trickstar monsters," Bit said.

"One can attack directly, but even so, they are not strong enough to win, even with their effects."

"Yes. A Link Summon is likely." The combined AI smirked. "But it won't happen. Trap activate! D-Scale Net!" The card showed a metallic net entrap Piercing Saury and Saber Sardine. "This card lets us declare an Attribute, and until your next Standby Phase, you cannot use monsters of that Attribute to Link Summon!"

Blue Girl gasped. "Furthermore, since we control a 'D-Scale' Link Monster, you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation. We declare Light Attribute!"

"That means you cannot use your Light Attribute Trickstars to Link Summon!"

Their opponent grit her teeth. "Even so, I-!"

"Can do nothing," BitBoot interrupted. "We activate the effect of D-Scale Swarm in the Graveyard! By banishing it while I control a 'D-Scale' Link Monster, I can send a card from your hand to your Graveyard. And since I control a Link-3 or higher 'D-Scale' Link Monster, I can send another card!" Blue Girl gasped as the two cards in her hand disintegrated.

"N-No…" Blue Girl grimaced as she looked at her field. The only move she could make was have Lilybell attack directly, and that wouldn't win the duel. In the next turn, Fullarmor Megalodon could attack again, and she'd lose.

"Keep fighting, Blue Girl," Cassiel whispered.

Blue Girl grit her teeth and clenched her fists in frustration. "I can't lose now," she whispered. "Not after finding out Miyu's in a coma…"

"…While she was imprisoned, you kept her strong, Aoi." Blue Girl blinked and looked at Aqua, who was still sitting on her shoulder. The Ignis leapt off and began floating in front of her.

"Huh?"

"No matter how many duels she lost, no matter how painful; even when she was hungry after reducing her meals… She never broke and promised to escape. So she could see you again and apologize for that day. She did her best."

Blue Girl frowned. "Miyu…"

"You changed her," Aqua said.

"You're wrong!" Blue Girl shook her head. "She changed me! After losing my parents, I only had my brother in my world. I closed the door to my heart and hid deep inside. But Miyu, with that carefree smile, opened the door to my heart. She wanted to apologize to me? When I'm thankful for her?"

"You gave her courage. And she passed that courage on to me. To stop the Light Ignis. But to do that, I need your strength."

Blue Girl blinked. "My strength… What are you asking, Aqua?"

"Will you fight with me, Blue Girl?"

Blue Girl starred at her and then narrowed her eyes. "Miyu endured painful days so she could meet me. It's time for me to do my best! I'll fight with you!"

Blue Girl's Duel Disk glowed, making Cassiel and BitBoot gasp. Aqua disintegrated into data that gathered into the Duel Disk. When the light faded, a violet eye peeped out viewscreen.

"We are partners now, you and I, Blue Girl." Aqua rose from the Duel Disk and nodded at the smiling girl.

"A partnership that will not last." The duo turned to glare at BitBoot. "Once you lose, we will take the Water Ignis with us."

Aqua narrowed her eyes. "And my first act as your partner will be helping you defeat these two." She raised her arms and produced a blue light. Blue Girl gasped as a card formed. When the light faded, she took the card and her eyes widened.

"This is…"

"Win this, Aoi Zaizen."

Blue Girl stared at her new partner and smiled. "Yes. I'll win this here and now!" She turned around and pointed at BitBoot as the lines on her jacket glowed pink. "I activate my Skill! Trickstar Gig! I send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to the number of 'Trickstar' monsters I control. Then I add a 'Trickstar' card from those cards to my hand. I control three 'Trickstar' monsters, so I send three cards to the Graveyard!" Blue Girl picked up three cards, smiled, then placed them in her Graveyard before taking one back. "The card I added is the card I'll activate! The Spell Card: Trickstar Switch!" The card showed Trickstar Lilybell in a dressing room, standing in front of a mirror, holding up a blue and white dress. "This card changes the Attributes of all 'Trickstar' monsters I control to whatever Attribute I declare. I declare Water Attribute!"

"What?! Water?!"

"That's right." Blue Girl's three monsters all glowed with blue light. "D-Scale Net's effect only prevents me from using Light monsters to Link Summon. With their Attributes changed, I can Link Summon again!" She raised her arm. "Shine once more! The circuit of courage and determination!" The duelist's eyes narrowed. "The summoning conditions are two or more Fairy monsters. I set Candina, Lilybell, and Lycoris in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Trickstar Hydrangea Heart!"

A blue heart made of light emerged from the portal. But the light quickly reformed into a humanoid shape and then faded. The woman had pale skin with solid blue eyes and blue heart hearts beneath said eyes. Her wavy light blue hair went down to her waist, with dark blue highlights framing her face. The dress she wore was dark blue and went down to her ankles, with light blue trimmings and her chest covered by a light blue heart-shaped bodice. Indigo stockings covered her legs and light blue Cuban heels with indigo hearts covering the laces covered her feet. Six wings spread from her back, and a dark blue sword with a light blue heart-shaped hilt formed in her right hand as she winked, summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Trickstar Hydrangea Heart ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"What?" Bit gasped.

"A Water Trickstar monster?"

Cassiel blinked. "That's not Blue Girl's card; Aqua must have made it. But to do so in such a short time, and for it to not be Cyberse Type…"

Aqua's eyes narrowed at her and Blue Girl's opponents. "It's true that I'm not as strong as Cypher, Goldie, or the Light Ignis," she said. "But I am far from helpless. And with my help, my partner will defeat you!"

"Hydrangea Heart's effect activates!" Blue Girl declared. "When Hydrangea Heart is Link Summoned using only Water monsters, she gains 400 attack points for each 'Trickstar' monster in my Graveyard until my next Standby Phase. There are seven 'Trickstar' monsters in my Graveyard, so she gains 2800 attack points!"

Trickstar Hydrangea Heart ATK 2500→5300

"Battle!" Blue Girl declared. "Hydrangea Heart attacks Fullarmor Megalodon!"

"What?"

"With Judgment Arrows' effect, Fullarmor Megalodon's attack points are 6000!"

"Not for long," Blue Girl responded. "Hydrangea Heart's additional effect activates! When she attacks your monster, that monster loses 400 attack points for each 'Trickstar' monster in my Graveyard until the end of the turn!" BitBoot gasped. "Go! Heart Collapse!" A sphere of water formed in Hydrangea Heart's left hand, which she flung at Fullarmor Megalodon. The water spread across its body and made the Link Monster cry out in pain.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000→200

BitBoot grit their teeth. "Judgment Arrows' effect! Fullarmor Megalodon's attack points are doubled!"

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 200→400

"Continue your attack, Hydrangea Heart! Shining Aqua!" The Link Monster's sword was enveloped in blue light as she leapt at the metal shark. She brought the blade down and cleaved the massive fish in two. An explosion rippled outwards, striking BitBoot and knocking them off of their combined D-Board. The combined AI screamed and disintegrated before they could touch the ground.

BitBoot: 2600→0 LP

Blue Girl leapt off her D-Board and landed on the ground, followed shortly after by Cassiel.

"That was amazing, Blue Girl!" the latter said excitedly. "And Aqua, I can't believe you made a card that quickly, let alone a non-Cyberse card."

Aqua nodded at the white-haired girl. "Normally I could not; but because of Aoi's bond with Miyu, I was able to create a Trickstar card." She turned back to her partner. "That battle is over, Aoi Zaizen. But are you ready to fight the true battle?"

The girl nodded with a solemn look. "The Light Ignis hurt Miyu – the girl who opened my heart all those years ago. I will fight to save her!"

Cassiel smiled and stepped forward. "I will too," she said. "I'm already in this fight because of Morningstar and Cypher, but as your friend, I'll do everything I can to help you Blue Girl."

Blue Girl smiled in gratitude. "So, since I'll be working with you Aqua, I think I'll need a change. Do you have any suggestions?"

Ghost Girl watched as Blood Shepherd spun around and logged out. She breathed a sigh of relief and pushed herself to her feet. She'd thought she would lose her account, that Ghost Girl would be no more. Luckily, it seemed her half-brother held some degree of mercy within him.

She pressed a button, deleting her labyrinth program and reverting the area to its original form.

"Hey!"

Ghost Girl blinked and turned as three D-Boards rose up to her level, where their riders dropped down.

"Why'd you delete that?" Cypher complained, glaring at Ghost Girl. "I almost had that barrier taken down!"

"Barrier?" Ghost Girl repeated.

"It's not important right now," Morningstar said, glaring at Cypher, who sighed.

"Yeah. I don't sense that code anymore. Whoever was sent, they were defeated."

"Where's Blood Shepherd?" Playmaker asked, diverting Ghost Girl's attention.

"He left," she answered.

"You're not with Blue Girl and Cassiel?" Soulburner asked.

"What happened to Aqua?" Flame asked.

"All three of us are up here." They all turned and looked up at Blue Girl and Cassiel, the former having a guest in her Duel Disk.

"Aqua!" Ai said in delight.

"Long time no see, Dark Ignis," she said.

"Oh, I'm called Ai in this world."

"I see. And I'm glad to see you again, Cypher. Cassiel told me your name."

"Well, in this world I'm called Flame," the Fire Ignis said, "which means ind-."

"Why are you in Blue Girl's Duel Disk?" Ai said, ignoring Flame.

"Blue Girl and I have agreed to fight together," Aqua answered. "We will work together to oppose the Light Ignis."

Blue Girl nodded. "And I'll be reborn!" She pressed a button as her avatar glowed and changed, making everyone except Cassiel and Aqua gasp. The last two just smiled at her with pride.

"This is my battle mode, Blue Maiden!" Her hair was now light blue with dark blue highlights, and was wavy and extended to the small of her back. She retained her blue eyes, but gained a teardrop tattoo and heart-shaped earrings. She wore a long black, white, and blue sleeveless waistcoat with a pink and black skirt, a golden belt, and a black armband with a pink stone on her left arm. Her forearms were covered by black wristguards with blue wings on the ends, and pointed pink tips at her hands. She wore blue, pink, and black tights with pink and black boots with blue wings.

"Blue…"

"…Maiden."

The newly christened Blue Maiden summoned her D-Board. "It's time for us to fight together again, Playmaker, Morningstar."

"Yeah."

Blue Maiden, Cassiel, Morningstar, Playmaker, and Soulburner rode their D-Boards in a V-formation.

"The enemies are the Light Ignis, Lightning…"

"…And the society of Ouroboros," Morningstar finished Playmaker's thought.

"Yeah!" Ai raised a fist.

"In order to save Kusanagi's brother!" Playmaker said.

"In order to save Miyu!" Blue Maiden declared.

"Yes," Aqua agreed.

"To uncover the true enemy behind Zahhak and Jester," Morningstar said.

"To find out Goldie's mission," Cassiel said.

"To prove to Lightning that's he wrong about humans!" Cypher said.

"And to rebuild Cyberse World!" Flame shouted.

"We will fight!" Soulburner finished.

Lightning leaned back and glared at the projection. "So Bit and Boot failed. Despite having been upgraded," he thought aloud. He had to admit, he had thought to decline the upgrades that Jormungand had offered, but after looking through them himself, had decided they were harmless. All they did was make Bit and Boot smarter and more tactical, but not nearly enough to make them disloyal or unpredictable. If anything, the upgrades would have made his plans easier. But it seemed they had failed. And now… "Now we have a new enemy."

"You say that as if it will make a difference."

Lightning turned from his perch on Jin Kusanagi's wrist to glare as Zahhak entered his palace's throne room. As much as it annoyed him to admit, the man had a point, going off of the data Jormungand had given him. According to that information, Zahhak was the most dangerous duelist in LINK VRAINS, perhaps even more so than Revolver. To Lightning's annoyance, the data had only included Zahhak's duel data, with no information on his personal history or other abilities he might have.

"You are stronger than them, that is true," Lightning allowed. "But there is also a strength in numbers, and their numbers exceed ours now." He turned back to the projection as images of Morningstar, Cassiel, Playmaker, Soulburner, Blue Maiden, Lilith, Galahad, Persephone, Ghost Girl, Ai, Cypher, Aqua, and Flame filled it. "The origins and Aqua's partner may be the only serious threats, but there is always an element of chance in duels."

"Not when we duel there isn't," Zahhak said, crossing his arms. "But if you wish for more numbers, then I have good news."

"Oh?"

"Enforcers No. V and X will be joining us soon. And Enforcer No. V will be training a new apprentice."

Lightning narrowed his eyes. Reinforcements was a good thing, true; but he would have preferred if those reinforcements didn't come from such an unknown ally.

When Jormungand had offered to ally with Lightning, he had accepted, for two reasons. The first was that this group was obviously powerful, given Zahhak's and Jester's demonstrations. Having such power on his side would give him an advantage in this conflict. The second was because he obviously had no choice; considering what Jester had done to Bohman and Haru, Lightning had few doubts the Third Anguis and his two Enforcers could have ended all four of them right then and there. But for some reason Jormungand had suggested an alliance, with the Enforcers aiding Lightning's goal.

The Light Ignis was obviously suspicious; what reasons could this mysterious group have for allying with him? He had asked Jormungand of course, but the Divine Ignis had only said that he was curious to see if Lightning's dream could come true. Such a reason was insufficient to Lightning, so he decided to research this Ouroboros group after their meeting. And the fact that he had found so little only increased his annoyance.

There was almost nothing on this group, nothing except rumors and hearsay. Rumors that they were decades old, that they were a secret society of scientists and researchers, that they were Illuminati… The list went on. But Lightning could find no answers to what Ouroboros definitively was nor how he might obtain some manner of leverage over them.

And if the lack of information wasn't puzzling enough, there was the fact that Jester and Zahhak followed Jormungand willingly. Lightning couldn't understand that; why would Jormungand risk human servants with free will? He had asked Jormungand that question before their groups split, but the Divine Ignis had only smiled and said that the Enforcers were more powerful with free will. Lightning supposed that could be true, but was the risk really worth it?

Either way, he now had to deal with these two humans in his base, and it seemed he would have to work with three more. "Who are Enforcers No. V and X? And No. V's apprentice? Are they loyal?"

"The Enforcers are loyal, but No. V – Merlin – will be working with his apprentice to ensure his before he brings him here."

Merlin. Hmm. The name of the wizard who crowned King Arthur in English mythology. He would likely be an older man, more experienced than Zahhak or Jester. And probably more loyal to Jormungand. Less chance of Lightning being able to manipulate him. "How strong are they?"

"Strong enough. Jester and I are stronger though." A pity. So chances of turning them against Jester and Zahhak would likely be unsuccessful.

"Hmm. I have no objections to their presence." A lie, but any objections he had would likely be ignored or overruled. He had felt Jormungand's power when they met. A power he hadn't felt since being in the presence of the Gold Ignis. His only chance against such power would be a complete Bohman. So he needed to succeed in his goal. Which meant having to put up with these human "allies."

"Good to know." Zahhak turned to leave. He reached the exit, but before he could step out, Lightning spoke up.

"Wait a moment. I have a question for you."

Zahhak stopped and turned his head. Perhaps somewhat disrespectful, but Lightning ignored it. "What do you want to ask?"

"Why are you going along with this? Why is Jester? Why are humans like you working for an Ignis?"

…

Zahhak turned back to the door. "In Jester's case, it is loyalty to Ouroboros, not Jormungand, that led him here. Jormundgand is the Third Anguis, but there are others, none of whom are in Japan at the moment. The Anguis are the planners, the ones who come up with operations, while we Enforcers see these plans to fruition."

He lowered his head slightly. So slightly that Lightning almost missed it. "As for myself, I am here because there is something I wish to find, and I hope to do so here."

"What is it you are seeking?"

The Enforcer grunted. "That is too personal. Do not worry; Jester and I will not impede your plans. If anything, I will see them through." He resumed his course towards the exit. "After all, Bohman at his full strength will be a sight worth seeing."

Merlin vs. Techbane

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Merlin

Merlin Normal Summons Witchcrafter Pittore (1000/1500/3). He activates the Continuous Spell Card Witchcrafter Bystreet. The first time Merlin's "Witchcrafter" monster would be destroyed each turn, it is not destroyed. Merlin activates Pittore's effect, Tributing it and discarding the Spell Card Witchcrafter Collaboration to Special Summon 1 "Witchcrafter" monster from Merlin's Deck. He Special Summons Witchcrafter Haine (2400/1000/7) in Attack Position. Merlin activates the effect of Pittore in his GY, banishing it to draw 1 card, then send 1 "Witchcrafter" card from his hand to the GY. He sends Witchcrafter Holiday to the GY. Merlin ends his turn. During the End Phase, as Collaboration and Holiday are in Merlin's GY and he controls a "Witchcrafter" monster, their effects activates, and Merlin adds them to his hand.

Turn 2: Techbane

Techbane draws. He Normal Summons Cyber Dragon Core (400/1500/2). As Core was Normal Summoned, Techbane can add 1 "Cyber" Spell/Trap Card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberload Fusion from his Deck to his hand. Techbane activates the Spell Card Machine Duplication, targeting Core for its effect and letting Techbane Special Summon up to 2 monsters from his Deck with the same name. As Core is treated as Cyber Dragon while on the field or in the GY, Techbane Special Summons 2 copies of Cyber Dragon (2100/1600/5 each) in Attack Position. As Techbane Special Summoned Cyber Dragon, he activates the effect of Cyber Dragon Vier in his hand, Special Summoning it (1100/1600/4) in Defense Position. While Vier is on the field, each Cyber Dragon Techbane controls gains 500 ATK/DEF (Cyber Dragon: 2100→2600/1600→2100 each) (Core: 400→900/1500→2000) (Vier: 1100→1600/1600→2100). Techbane uses Core and 1 Cyber Dragon to Link Summon Cyber Dragon Sieger (2100→2600/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. He activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Cyberload Fusion, which lets him Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster that lists a "Cyber Dragon" monster as material by shuffling the Fusion Materials from among his cards on the field and/or his face-up banished cards back into his Deck, but Techbane's other monsters cannot attack. Techbane shuffles Cyber Dragon and Vier from his field back into his Deck to Fusion Summon Cyber Twin Dragon (2800/2100/8) to Sieger's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position (Sieger: 2600→2100).

As it hasn't declared an attack, Techbane activates the effect of Sieger, targeting Cyber Twin Dragon. Until the end of the turn, Cyber Twin Dragon gains 2100 ATK/DEF, and neither player takes damage from battles involving Sieger (Cyber Twin Dragon: 2800→4900/2100→4200). Cyber Twin Dragon attacks Haine. Merlin activates Haine's effect to discard 1 Spell Card to target and destroy 1 face-up card Techbane controls. He discards Witchcrafter Holiday, then targets and destroys Cyber Twin Dragon. Techbane Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 3: Merlin

Merlin draws. He activates the Spell Card Painful Choice, which lets him reveal 5 cards from his Deck to Techbane and have him select 1. That card is added to Merlin's hand while the rest are sent to the GY. Merlin reveals Witchcrafter Unveiling, Witchcrafter Patronus, Witchcrafter Draping, Witchcrafter Madame Verre, and Witchcrafter Masterpiece. Techbane chooses to add Witchcrafter Unveiling to Merlin's hand. Merlin activates the effect of Haine, sending Witchcrafter Bystreet from his field to the GY via its effect to target and destroy Sieger. Merlin activates the Spell Card Witchcrafter Collaboration, targeting Haine. Haine can attack twice during each Battle Phase this turn, and if it attacks, Techbane cannot activate any Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.

Haine attacks Techbane directly (Techbane: 4000→1600 LP). As Techbane took damage from a direct attack, he activates his Set Trap Card Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, which lets him Special Summon 1 Level 1 monster from his hand and a monster with the same name from his Deck. He Special Summons 2 copies of Cyber Valley (0/0/1), both in Defense Position. Haine attacks Cyber Valley, but Techbane activates Cyber Valley's effect, banishing it to draw 1 card and end the Battle Phase. Merlin Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 4: Techbane

Techbane draws. He activates the Spell Card Cyber Repulsion. Until the end of the turn, Merlin cannot target his Light Machine monsters with monster effects, and if Techbane's Light Machine Fusion Monster destroys Merlin's monster, Merlin takes damage equal to half of that monster's original ATK. As Cyber Dragon is in Techbane's GY, he activates the Spell Card Cyber Repair Plant to add Cyber Dragon from his Deck to his hand. Techbane Normal Summons Cyber Dragon Drei (1800/800/4). Techbane activates Cyber Valley's effect, banishing itself and Drei to draw 2 cards. As only Merlin controls a monster, Techbane activates Core's effect in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 "Cyber Dragon" monster from his Deck. He Special Summons Cyber Dragon Nachster (200/200/1) in Attack Position. As Nachster was Special Summoned, Techbane can Special Summon 1 Machine monster from his GY with 2100 ATK or DEF. He Special Summons Sieger (2100/2/←↓). Techbane activates the Spell Card Cyber Revsystem, which lets him Special Summon Cyber Dragon (2100/1600/5) from his GY in Attack Position. Techbane activates the Spell Card Polymerization, fusing Nachster and Cyber Dragon on his field with Cyber Dragon in his hand to Fusion Summon Cyber End Dragon (4000/2800/10) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Techbane activates Sieger's effect, targeting Cyber End Dragon and increasing its ATK/DEF by 2100 until the end of the turn (Cyber End Dragon: 4000→6100/2800→4900). Cyber End Dragon attacks Haine. Merlin activates his Set Trap Card Back to the Front, which lets him Special Summon 1 monster from his GY in Defense Position. He Special Summons Witchcrafter Madame Verre (1000/2800/8). A replay occurs and Cyber End Dragon attacks Haine. Merlin activates the effect of Witchcrafter Masterpiece in his GY, banishing itself, Collaboration, Holiday, Bystreet, and Draping from the GY to Special Summon 1 "Witchcrafter" monster from his Deck whose Level equals the number of banished Spell Cards. Merlin Special Summons Witchcrafter Schmietta (1800/600/4) in Attack Position. A replay occurs and Cyber End Dragon attacks Schmietta. Merlin activates the effect of Witchcrafter Patronus in his GY, banishing it to add any number of banished "Witchcrafter" Spell Cards to his hand. He adds Collaboration, Holiday, Bystreet, and Draping to his hand. As Merlin's Spellcaster monster is battling Techbane's monster, Merlin activates the effect of Witchcrafter Madame Verre, revealing Collaboration, Holiday, Bystreet, Draping, Unveiling, and Witchcrafter Scroll in his hand. For each revealed card, Schmietta gains 1000 ATK/DEF until the end of the turn (Schmietta: 1800→7800/600→6600). The attack continues and Cyber End Dragon is destroyed (Techbane: 1600→0 LP). Merlin wins.

Blue Girl vs. BitBoot

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel. Bit and Boot, or BitBoot, will share the same gameplay state, except their Skill, which they both have and can activate separately.

Turn 1: BitBoot

BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Saber Sardine (600/300/2). He activates Saber Sardine's effect, paying 500 LP (BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP) to Special Summon 1 D-Scale Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. BitBoot uses D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine to Link Summon D-Scale Battle Coela (1800/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. BitBoot activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Torpedo, equipping it to Battle Coela. Battle Coela's effect to move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. He moves Battle Coela to his right Main Monster Zone. As his LP is 4000 or lower, Bit activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by Blue Girl's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker. If a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles, its ATK is doubled during damage calculation, and if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to his Main Monster Zone a card linked to Battle Coela points to. He moves Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Torpedo to inflict 800 damage to Blue Girl for every time the equipped Battle Coela moved this turn (Blue Girl: 4000→2400 LP). As Blue Girl took effect damage, BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Plated Albacore in his hand, Special Summoning it (1600/1300/5) in Attack Position. BitBoot uses Plated Albacore and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus (2600/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Plated Albacore was used to Link Summon Platemail Nacanthus, Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by battle. BitBoot Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Blue Girl

Blue Girl draws. She activates the Field Spell Card Trickstar Light Stage. As Light Stage was activated, Blue Girl can add 1 "Trickstar" monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Trickstar Candina to her hand. Blue activates Light Stage's effect, targeting BitBoot's Set card. That card cannot be activated while Light Stage is in the Field Zone until the End Phase, at which point BitBoot must activate it or send it to the GY. Blue Girl Normal Summons Trickstar Candina (1800/400/4). As Candina was Normal Summoned, Blue Girl can add 1 "Trickstar" card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Trickstar Fes to her hand. Blue Angel activates the Spell Card Trickstar Fes, which lets her Special Summon 2 Trickstar Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. Blue Girl uses her 2 Trickstar Tokens to Link Summon Trickstar Holly Angel (2000/2/↙↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Blue Girl activates the effect of Trickstar Lycoris in her hand, revealing it and targeting Candina. Candina is returned to Blue Girl's hand, and Lycoris is Special Summoned (1600/1200/3) to Holly Angel's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As a "Trickstar" monster was Summoned to its Link Marker, Holly Angel's effect activates, inflicting 200 damage to BitBoot (BitBoot: 4000→3800 LP). As BitBoot took damage from a "Trickstar" monster's effect, Light Stage's effect inflicts 200 damage (BitBoot: 3800→3600 LP), then Holly Angel gains ATK equal to that damage (Holly Angel: 2000→2200). Blue Girl Sets 1 card. As she controls a "Trickstar" monster, Blue Girl activates the Spell Card Trickstar Explusion, which lets her return 1 card in BitBoot's Spell & Trap Zone to their Deck. She returns Judgment Arrows to BitBoot's Deck. Judgment Arrows' effect would destroy Platemail Nacanthus, but Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by card effects.

Holly Angel attacks Platemail Nacanthus. As Blue Girl's "Trickstar" monster is battling BitBoot's monster, she activates the effect of Trickstar Corobane in her hand, discarding it to increase Holly Angel's ATK by its original ATK until the end of the turn (Holly Angel: 2200→4200). The attack continues, but Platemail Nacanthus isn't destroyed due to the effect it gained from Plated Albacore (BitBoot: 3600→2000 LP). As BitBoot took battle damage from a "Trickstar" monster, Light Stage's effect inflicts 200 damage (BitBoot: 2000→1800 LP). Blue Girl ends her turn. During the End Phase, Trickstar Explusion's effect lets Blue Girl add 1 "Trickstar" card from her GY to her hand. She adds Corobane to her hand. In addition, Light Stage's effect activates, and BitBoot chooses to activate his Set card. He activates the Set Trap Card D-Scale Submergence, which lets him target 1 "D-Scale" Link Monster he controls and increase his LP by that monster's Link Rating x 600. He targets Platemail Nacanthus (BitBoot: 1800→3600 LP). Holly Angel's and Corobane's effects end (Holly Angel: 4200→2000).

Turn 3: BitBoot

BitBoot draws. As a card was added to BitBoot's hand, Lycoris's effect inflicts 200 damage (BitBoot: 3600→3400 LP). Light Stage's and Holly Angel's effects activate (BitBoot: 3400→3200 LP) (Holly Angel: 2000→2200). As his LP is 4000 or lower, Boot activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by Blue Girl's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Platemail Nacanthus's bottom Link Marker. As he controls a "D-Scale" monster, BitBoot activates the Spell Card D-Scale Swarm, which lets him draw 2 cards. Lycoris's effect activates (BitBoot: 3200→2800 LP). Light Stage's and Holly Angel's effects activate (BitBoot: 2800→2600 LP) (Holly Angel: 2200→2600). BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Piercing Saury (800/600/3). BitBoot uses D-Scale Piercing Saury and Link-3 Platemail Nacanthus to Link Summon D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon (3000/4/←↑↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Fullarmor Megalodon was Link Summoned, its effect activates, letting BitBoot look at Blue Girl's hand and send 1 card to the GY. And if that card is a Monster Card, she takes damage equal to that monster's Level x 200. BitBoot sends the Level 5 Corobane to the GY (Blue Girl: 2400→1400 LP). BitBoot Sets 1 card.

Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Holly Angel. Blue Angel activates her Set Trap Card Trickstar Biennial, which prevents her from taking damage from attacks involving "Trickstar" monsters she controls this turn. The attack continues, with Judgment Arrows' effect doubling Fullarmor Megalodon's ATK during damage calculation (Fullarmor Megalodon: 3000→6000). As Holly Angel would be destroyed, Blue Girl banishes Trickstar Fes from her GY instead (Fullarmor Megalodon: 6000→3000). As it is co-linked, Fullarmor Megalodon can attack every monster Blue Girl control once each. Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Lycoris (Fullarmor Megalodon: 3000→6000). As Lycoris is linked to Holly Angel, it isn't destroyed, and Blue Girl takes no damage due to Trickstar Biennial's effect (Fullarmor Megalodon: 6000→3000). At the end of the Battle Phase, Trickstar Biennial's effect lets Blue Girl draw 1 card. Since Blue Girl took no battle damage during the Battle Phase, Fullarmor Megalodon's effect activates, letting BitBoot target and destroy cards Blue Girl controls up to the number of times Fullarmor Megalodon attacked, then inflict 500 damage for each destroyed card. He targets and destroys Holly Angel and Light Stage (Blue Girl: 1400→400 LP). BitBoot ends his turn.

Turn 4: Blue Girl

Blue Girl draws. She Normal Summons Trickstar Candina (1800/400/4). As Candina was Normal Summoned, its effect activates, and Blue Girl adds Trickstar Lilybell to her hand. As Lilybell was added to Blue Girl's hand outside of the Draw Phase, she Special Summons Lilybell (800/2000/2) in Attack Position. BitBoot activates his Set Trap Card D-Scale Net. BitBoot can declare an Attribute, and until Blue Girl's next Standby Phase, she cannot use monsters of that Attribute to Link Summon. In addition, since BitBoot controls a "D-Scale" Link Monster, Blue Girl cannot activate cards or effects in response to D-Scale Net's activation or effect. BitBoot declares Light. As he controls a Link-3 or higher "D-Scale" Link Monster, BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Swarm in his GY, banishing it to target up to 2 cards in Blue Girl's hand and send them to the GY. He targets and sends Trickstar Reincarnation and Trickstar Rhodode from Blue Girl's hand to the GY. Blue Girl activates her Skill Trickstar Gig, which lets her send cards from the top of her Deck to the GY equal to the number of "Trickstar" monsters she controls, then add 1 "Trickstar" card among the sent cards to her hand. She controls 3 "Trickstar" monsters, so she sends Trickstar Bouquet, Trickstar Mandrake, and Trickstar Switch from the top of her Deck to the GY, then she adds Trickstar Switch to her hand. Blue Girl activates the Spell Card Trickstar Switch, which lets her declare an Attribute and change the Attributes of all "Trickstar" monsters she controls to that Attribute. Blue Girl declares Water. Blue Girl uses the Water Candina, Lilybell, and Lycoris to Link Summon Trickstar Hydrangea Heart (2500/3/←↓→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Hydrangea Heart was Link Summoned using only Water monsters, it gains 400 ATK for each "Trickstar" monster in Blue Girl's GY until her next Standby Phase (Hydrangea Heart: 2500→5300).

Hydrangea Heart attacks Fullarmor Megalodon. As Hydrangea Heart attacked BitBoot's monster, its effect activates, and Fullarmor Megalodon loses 400 ATK for each "Trickstar" monster in Blue Girl's GY until the end of the turn (Fullarmor Megalodon: 3000→200). The attack continues (Fullarmor Megalodon: 200→400). Fullarmor Megalodon is destroyed (BitBoot: 2600→0 LP). Blue Girl wins.

Techbane:

Cyber Repulsion Normal Spell Card

Until the end of the turn, your opponent cannot target your LIGHT Machine monsters with monster effects, and if your LIGHT Machine Fusion Monster destroys an opponent's monster: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to half of that monster's original ATK.

Bit & Boot:

D-Scale Plated Albacore

Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 1300 Level: 5

When your opponent takes effect damage (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) in Attack Position. You can only activate this effect of "D-Scale Plated Albacore" once per turn. A "D-Scale" Link Monster that was Summoned using this card as material gains the following effect.

-This monster cannot be destroyed by battle.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon

Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

2+ "D-Scale" monsters

This card cannot be destroyed by card effects. This co-linked card can attack all monsters your opponent controls, once each. You can only activate each of the following effects of "D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon" once per turn.

-When this card is Link Summoned: You can look at your opponent's hand; send 1 card in your opponent's hand to the GY, and if that card is a Monster Card, inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's Level x 200.

-At the end of your Battle Phase, if your opponent has not taken any battle damage this Phase: You can target cards your opponent controls, up to the number of attacks this card made during the Battle Phase; destroy them and inflict 500 damage to your opponent for each destroyed card.

D-Scale Submergence Normal Trap Card

Target 1 "D-Scale" Link Monster you control; gain LP equal to its Link Rating x 600. Your opponent takes no damage the turn you activate this effect. You can only activate "D-Scale Submergence" once per turn.

D-Scale Swarm Normal Spell Card

If you control a "D-Scale" monster: Draw 2 cards. If you control a "D-Scale" Link Monster: You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 card in your opponent's hand (Quick Effect); send the targeted cards to the GY. If you control a Link-3 or higher "D-Scale" monster, you can target up to 2 cards in your opponent's hand instead. You can only activate 1 "D-Scale Swarm" effect per turn, and only once per turn.

D-Scale Net Normal Trap Card

Declare 1 Attribute; until your opponent's next Standby Phase, they cannot use monsters of the declared Attribute as material for the Link Summoning of a Link Monster. If you control a "D-Scale" Link Monster, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of this card.

Blue Girl:

Trickstar Hydrangea Heart

Attribute: WATER Type: [Fairy/Link/Effect] ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

2+ Fairy monsters

If this card is Link Summoned using only WATER monsters: This monster gains ATK equal to the number of "Trickstar" monsters in your GY x 400 until your next Standby Phase. When this card attacks your opponent's monster: Until the end of the turn, that monster loses ATK equal to the number of "Trickstar" monsters in your GY x 400. Each time a "Trickstar" monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to a zone(s) your "Trickstar" Link Monster points to, inflict 200 damage to your opponent.

Trickstar Expulsion Normal Spell Card (name credit goes to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC)

If you control a "Trickstar" monster: Target 1 card in your opponent's Spell & Trap Zone; shuffle it into the owner's Deck. During the End Phase: You can add 1 "Trickstar" card from your GY to your hand. You can only activate "Trickstar Expulsion" once per turn.

Trickstar Switch Normal Spell Card

Declare 1 Attribute; all face-up "Trickstar" monsters you control become that Attribute until the end of the turn. If your "Trickstar" monster would be destroyed, you can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only activate 1 "Trickstar Switch" effect per turn, and only once per turn.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 53 – Tying Up Loose Ends. As Morningstar and allies search for Lightning, the Light Ignis calls Blood Shepherd to him. The heroes chase after him, but they aren't the only ones. To gain battle experience, Windy faces off against the unexpected intruders while Persephone faces her own challenge…

Question of the Chapter

What's your initial impression of Merlin and his Deck?

Author's Notes

Big thank you to SakushiRyu and Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for their helps with the cards in this chapter.

Well this was a fun chapter to write. I'll start with Yukaro Saiba, or Techbane, and Benjamin Wilson, or Merlin. Techbane's plot – making money for a sick relative – is basically a retread of Galahad's season 1 plot. What makes it different is the help they receive, and the price they have to pay. In Galahad's case, he only had one duel with Morningstar for his deal with Terminus, while Techbane is scouted by Merlin for Ouroboros. Will he actually end up joining them? That's for the future to determine.

We also had the reactions to Earth's death, and I was very pleased with these. Sachi basically spent her time with Aoi and Emma, coming to terms with SOL's actions and the cruelty they are capable of. Cypher also got development, with him developing a hatred of SOL, though he does acknowledge that not all humans are bad.

Finally, we had Blue Girl vs. BitBoot. I'll be honest; I think that of all of Aoi Zaizen's avatars, Blue Girl was the least developed. She only got one duel against Soulburner, which she lost. This duel was meant to serve as a send-off to Blue Girl and the Trickstars (It's a happy coincidence that I'm releasing this at the same time as Chapter 22 of Fifth Circuit, which has what I feel is the best Trickstar duel I've ever written), which ended with her getting a Water Trickstar monster to symbolize the new bond between herself and Aqua. I know the Ignis are never shown being able to make non-Cyberse cards, but I hope that's a minor issue to everyone. We also see Bit and Boot having better cards, which is the result of upgrades provided by Jormungand. My impression of Bit and Boot is that once Lightning made Haru, he pretty much just kept Bit and Boot around for cannon fodder, kind of like how Lightning treated Haru once Bohman was evolved enough. These upgrades Jormungand gave, while not making Bit and Boot too much of a threat, do make them better than the joke they were by Episode 85. As for Lightning's and Zahhak's little scene at the end, well I think it speaks for itself.

Thank you for reading Chapter 52 of Hidden Memories. I'm sad to say it, but there will be a delay before the next chapters of Hidden Memories and Fifth Circuit are released. This is partly because I'm still working on the duels, but mostly because PERSONA 4 GOLDEN WAS JUST RELEASED ON STEAM! "Cue fanboy squee" I've been wanting to play this game for so long, but the Vita version and the Vita itself are so expensive these days. But now it's on Steam for only $19.99, and I will be playing the shit out of it. So I'm sorry for the delay, but not too sorry because it's for a good cause. So have a good day, and I hope to see all of you again next time!