DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fate/Extra or Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. Both are products of Nasu and Konami respectively. Any relation to characters, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
Previously, on Fate/VRAINS!
With the help of a fragment of Twice H. Pierceman, Hakuno has escaped the Moon Cell and awoken in another world in the body of a parallel version of herself. Now in the care of the Zaizen Family and awakening from a three year coma, Hakuno explores her new world and becomes a part of one of its greatest sports.
Duel Monsters!
What sort of adventure awaits Hakuno now?
Only one way to find out! INTO THE VRAINS! ! !
Fate/VRAINS
...this is...very much different than what I felt back then.
"Everyone, this is Hakuno Zaizen-chan. As of today, she'll be attending our class for the remainder of the year. Give her a warm welcome."
The classroom that was just one of many here at Den City High School was radically different from what she was used to. Tsukumihara Academy was more like a simulation as was the case with everything else. Just a giant stage or a prop. Here, however, she could feel the atmosphere for what it was. Nothing even remotely fake or simulated and whatnot. The expressions on each and every one of the students was also different.
Though for a whole other reason. Hakuno found herself squirming beneath the interested, curious and outright questioning gazes that everyone was giving her. The looks were probably because of her "family name." Being related to the Security Manager at SOL Technologies was definitely signs of status, or something along those lines. At any rate, the attention was very nerve-wracking and she definitely wanted to be someplace other than here. At the very back, she found her sister sitting there, giving her an apologetic look.
"Just grin and bear with it." seemed to be the message her sister was conveying. Hakuno sighed deeply.
"Please take care of me." she said, bowing her head. Afterwards, her teacher placed her in a seat just close to the windows around the middle. Everyone's eyes trailed on her as she walked over to the empty seat that would be hers for the next year. I hope not everyday will be like this.
After class ended, Hakuno was exempt from the next and allowed to take a tour of the school, in order to familiarize herself with the layout. Aoi, naturally, had volunteered to show her around. The campus wasn't too big, but neither was it what you could call small. It was one of the more well-funded schools in Den City, hence the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities it offered to its students. There had been a courtyard out in the back, which had several trees planted in order to give students a good atmosphere of relief and also to hang out with friends. It was the first place that Aoi had taken her. She also mentioned that there were also a number of trees that happen to bloom sakura petals, giving another beautiful scenery to look forward to.
Afterwards, she continued the tour. It lasted for the good majority of second period, but Hakuno honestly didn't mind it much. She knew there would be plenty of stares, so she figured it was best to avoid it now while she had the opportunity. Besides, the more time she got to spend and learn more about Aoi Zaizen, the better. Classes came and went once the time to explore was over. She was thankful for the material Akira had provided her to study and Aoi's help, otherwise she would had a hard time understanding it.
When it came to after school activities, though, the last thing she expected was to be dragged into the club that Aoi attended and then forced to join on the spot.
"Everyone, this is my sister, Hakuno! I'd like it if she could join the club."
Hakuno blinked twice before staring at her sister with question marks dancing around her head. Everyone in the room had stared at the girl in surprise, as if her sudden declaration and request had thrown them for a loop. One of them, a boy a year or so older than her wearing glasses with neat black hair, looked at Hakuno for a moment before he smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't see why not. We can always use some new blood." he said, much to Aoi's delight before he turned to Hakuno. "I heard we were receiving a new student, but I didn't expect you to be Zaizen-san's sister. My name is Hosoda, the Duel Club President. Welcome!"
"A-ah. Greetings." Hakuno bowed her head. "I'm Hakuno K-" She inwardly cursed when she nearly spoke the name that was her original family surname. "Zaizen. It's nice to meet you."
"That came outta nowhere..." another member said quietly, having been surprised by Aoi's remark before grinning. "But hey! That means we've got seven people." He stood up and walked over to Hakuno, offering a hand. He was a little on the chubby side with rather strange eyebrows and green hair. "I'm Naoki Shima! Nice to meet you, Hakuno!"
After Naoki, the other members proceeded to introduce themselves to her. Introductions came to an end quickly, and soon questions were raised. A few were aimed towards Aoi, who had previously never mentioned having a sister. She could tell how uncomfortable that subject had been for her sister and tried to avoid it before Hakuno had revealed the reasons why. It had dampened the mood, but she tried to assure everyone that she was okay and was happy just being with Aoi. That had lightened the mood again and resumed questions, this time directed towards Hakuno's Duel Disk. It was obviously one of the newer models, though she quickly shut down any possibility of them getting one not because she wouldn't indulge in their requests, but because it was an old prototype model that Aoi had let her borrow.
Of course, in the following weeks after her first departure into LINK VRAINS, Akira had learned about this and actually allowed her to keep it. She had forgotten to question him about the Moon Cell deck inside, though and made it a point to ask him about it later. She was curious as to why there had been cards bearing some form of similarity to that which she had feared and despised so long ago.
"So, how long have you been dueling, Hakuno-chan?" Hosoda asked.
Hakuno smiled awkwardly, scratching her cheek. "About a few weeks." she replied. "I've gotten a little better, but I still have more losses than wins." Though it was not something to be ashamed of. Aoi, when she was not already booked for a Duel, offered sparring matches of sorts with her to help her understand more about her deck and strategies. Other than her sister, she had also dueled other people, which had allowed her to quickly learn about the massive diversity in play styles and, of course, the skills of the various duelists in question. Some lacked the prowess of Aoi and Go Onizuka, wheras others matched them in terms of intensity and determination. "I'm still pretty much a newbie."
"Don't worry about it. I'm pretty sure all of us here are." Naoki assured her with a goofy smirk. "So, what do you think about the school so far?"
It's hard to understand and get used to. "It's wonderful. I'm starting to get used to it a little, though I'm still thrown off a bit."
"Understandable." Hosoda remarked. "You have been in a coma for three years. Still, I think you'll do well here." Just then, the bell rung again, leading the president to look at the clock. "It looks like it's time to leave. We don't necessarily have a set requirement to attend, so you can come by anytime you want."
"So, like a casual club meeting?"
"Of sorts." the President said before smiling and offering a hand. "It was a pleasure having you, Hakuno-chan."
Hakuno smiled and accepted the hand, shaking it with a light squeeze. "Thank you very much, Hosoda-kaichou."
Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS, a pair of duelists found themselves scared out of their minds.
"GHYAAAAAAAGH! ! !"
With a terrified scream of pain, a female duelist was thrown to the ground, her Avatar glitching like mad and she writhing in pain from the powerful blow her opponent delivered. However, the way her Avatar glitched was unnatural. It was red with static, writhing almost. Pain was filtered in LINK VRAINS in order to provide a sense of realism, but also to prevent any actual major damage to the player in question. The way his partner cried in pain on the ground, however, was much worse than any damage that could have been inflicted. It looked like she was seriously injured.
The male duelist looked up as he watched the opponent step forward, Avatar wreathed in pitch black static that moved, almost as if it was alive, while crimson eyes burned with malice.
"Where is she?"
The duelist stepped back, fear overwhelming his senses. "I-I told you!" he cried in panic. "I don't know who she is! I-I don't know anyone by that name! I swear!"
The opponent was silent for a moment, as if contemplating, before he raised his hand. Suddenly, the same phenomenon that happened before with his partner happened to him. The sky of LINK VRAINS turned crimson and the surrounding area became a chaotic mess of mishmashed data, twisting and warping in a way that just wasn't possible. The opponent stretched out his arm, creating a blade that stretched out from his arm and crawled up to his elbow.
"It doesn't matter if you don't know. Anyone who sees me... Will be eliminated."
The duelist could do nothing but stared wide-eyed at the monster before him before the Duel had begun.
Then he joined his partner's fate with a terrified and pain-filled scream.
TURN-04: ENEMY
The incidents were not limited to the two duelists alone. Akira had received reports about similar incidents occuring inside of LINK VRAINS. PKs were nothing new in video games, especially in a virtual reality. Although, that said, PK was not quite the right term to use. It would be more appropriate to call them Card Hunters. They had always been around since Duel Monsters first became popular, especially since the introduction of Solid Vision. With cards now digitized and the dueling taking place inside of LINK VRAINS, Card Hunters were more referred to as hackers nowadays. Of course, as the Security Manager, it was Akira's duty to monitor the events in LINK VRAINS closely and prevent events that involve hackers or otherwise dangerous situations from happening.
The reports were disturbing, to say the least.
"...I do no need to inform you of the severity of these events, Zaizen."
One of the head administrators stood before Akira in the meeting room, albeit in the form of a hologram with the design of a chess piece. To be more precise, the bishop chess piece. The other two administrators were not present, something that was unusual, given that they were always present when one made an appearance. Regardless, the authority Bishop held was enough to make Akira nervous.
It felt like he was standing trial with no lawyer at his side.
"I understand, sir." he calmly replied. "We've already made some headway in our investigations."
"Go on."
"First, the victims are all unrelated, so we can rule out any possibility of a grudge. Still, even if they were unrelated, we can't rule out the possibility of the culprit targeting them by a specific criteria. We're still looking into this angle. Second is the possibility of the culprit being a hacker."
"Explain, Zaizen."
Akira nodded. "The Duel System records every Duel that occurs inside LINK VRAINS, and that information is relayed back to us at SOL Technologies. This, of course, also provides us data on the Duelists participating in these Duels. We've been reviewing the Duels taken part by the victims and the culprit, but we've found next to no data on the Duelist himself. Its almost as if he is a ghost."
"...this is troubling. The fact that there is an unknown running rampant in LINK VRAINS is dangerous. If these incidents are allowed to continue, it will not be long before the authorities will begin their own investigations into LINK VRAINS. It may even reach the point where they may wish to shut down LINK VRAINS to prevent any more casualties. You must deal with this, Zaizen."
That went without saying. Akira had his duty here at SOL Technologies. Besides, he had another reason to look into these incidents. The recordings of the Duel were heavily damaged, but they were intact enough for him to gleam a bit of information. Information he had purposely kept from his superiors. As he finished his report and left the meeting room, his legs moved faster and practically run/sped walked him through the halls, leaving him to only hasty greetings to his colleagues he passed on his way out of the building. He had to hurry. He needed to get back home, fast.
Before that hacker found his sister.
The Zaizen sisters had arrived home shortly after school had finished. As they had expected, Akira had not returned home yet, most likely still busy at his job. The numerous occasions Akira had left work early to spend time with Aoi and Hakuno had not gone unnoticed and more or less had forced him to work overtime. Aoi found it greatly unfair, but there was nothing either of them could do. He didn't seem too bothered by it and promised to make up for the lost time when he had a free day off from work when the opportunity came.
Aoi and Hakuno had a light meal before they had a little conversation, mainly about school and the Duel Club. Aoi was worried that she might have forced Hakuno into the whole thing. Hakuno, however, wasn't actually mad. She was surprised, yes, but she didn't really mind. It was a welcome change of pace from the suffocating and oppressive gazes everyone had been giving her. If anything, Hakuno was having trouble adjusting to the mere atmosphere of the school times she had felt so out of place that she had to remind herself that this feeling was understandable. This was not the school fabricated by the Moon Cell.
Even so, it still felt so strange.
After small talk had been over and done with, Aoi had asked if Hakuno wanted to log into LINK VRAINS. Not wanting to miss out on an opportunity to explore more of the artificial world and learn more about dueling, she accepted the invitation.
Currently, Hakuno - or rather, Emiya was with Blue Angel as they sat in a nearby cafe. It was a Lounging Area meant to provide duelists with relaxation and meet up with friends, as well as view the rankings of duelists that were on the rise. The cafe wasn't too small, just fairly large enough to accommodate a fair number of people. It was set in a large space out in the street, reminding Hakuno of a bustling shopping district with a giant electronic television sitting on the face of one of the buildings, showing off real world news.
"He's still in the top ten. Why am I not surprised?" Blue Angel mused as she looked at the rankings. Emiya tilted her head curiously. "Oh, sorry. I was just looking to see if the rankings had changed. It's been a while since I last looked at the Score Board."
"Score Board?"
"Mm. Duelists who participate in Events are evaluated and given Points. The more Points you have, the higher your Ranking. If you're popular enough, you might get scouted by an agency and sponsored, letting you participate in some big name matches." her sister explained. "Of course, the real importance behind your Rank is the ticket. Every year, SOL Technologies hosts the VRAINS International Tournament. It's one of the most popular Events in LINK VRAINS, and only Duelists in the Top 10 in their country are given a ticket to compete."
Hakuno let out a sound of understanding. It sounded very much like the Holy Grail War's preliminaries. Only Masters who had proven themselves could be allowed the chance to summon a Servant. Technically speaking, she had barely qualified in this regard, having only made it in by pure chance. "So where do you rank, Blue Angel?"
"You're looking at one of the Big Three!" Blue Angel declared proudly. "I'm ranked at #2, and Go's at #3."
"So who's the Top Ranked Duelist?"
"Funny you should ask." the blue-haired Avatar of Aoi Zaizen giggled into her hand. "The #1 Duelist, or the Crowned Duelist, is actually the champion of the Tournament. It works like this: the Crowned Duelist is regarded as the strongest in LINK VRAINS. That means everyone wants a shot at them. They've also amassed a lot of points, so they can get scouted by agencies and get sponsored. They can even get access to rare cards that you normally can't get, even if you're in the Top Ten. However, if your defeated, then your sent down to the bottom of the Score Board with zero points."
"I see. So Crowned Duelists are playing a high-risk, high-reward type of game." Hakuno surmised. "That must be tough."
Blue Angel nodded. "Yeah... It's crazy. The Crowned Duelist this year's already been defeated, but the International Tournament isn't for another few months."
A tournament to decide the strongest Duelist in LINK VRAINS...
In all honesty, the idea didn't sit well with Hakuno. Of course, it could partially be because of the idea of tournaments in general. It sounded very much like the Grail War. She had to remind herself that Duel Monsters wasn't anything like that, but the idea just kept coming back to her. At the very least, someone's existence wasn't on the line here. And more importantly, there was no need to worry about foolish things, such as the threat of death hanging above your head. Besides, a child's card game couldn't possibly be taken to such extreme levels.
Right?
"Will you be entering it, Blue Angel?"
Blue Angel nodded strongly. "Of course!" she said with a wide smile. "Actually, not to boast or anything, but I won the Tournament a few years ago. Kept my Crowned Duelist spot until Go beat me." She gave a cute pout as she crossed her arms. "I would have won, too, if Go hadn't used that stupid wrestler strategy of his!" Emiya giggled, silently laughing into her sleeve. Her sister was always so chipper. Still, she could see her sister as the champion of LINK VRAINS being the champion. She was a little curious about the tournament herself. Should she enter? No, not likely. Her skills were still rather average. She was nowhere near as skilled as Go or Blue Angel.
[Goshujin-sama, your next opponent is scheduled for 10:15.] the AI in Blue Angel's Duel Disk beeped.
"Heh? Already? I guess time flies." the girl remarked before addressing Emiya. "Say, wanna join me? My opponent this time is supposed to use Gemini cards like you do. It could be a nice learning experience!"
Emiya nodded. "I'd like that." She'd take any chance she could get to learn more about dueling and about new strategies. Her answer pleased her sister and soon the two were off towards the Colosseum. It was one of the more lesser used dueling grounds in LINK VRAINS, mostly due to several new areas constantly being made and updated around the clock, bringing attention to those and leaving behind old ones to collect dust.
Yet, even with the chipper attitude she displayed, Emiya couldn't help but feel apprehensive. She felt a cold shiver run down her virtual body, affecting her in real life. Just what was this unearthly feeling she was getting? Was something bad going to happen?
In the dark shadows of LINK VRAINS, a shrouded figure slowly moved, red eyes gazing across the vast datascape of LINK VRAINS before it settled on a moving target in the expansive crowd of the "players" of LINK VRAINS. Slowly, its mouth moved, making only a distorted and warped sound.
"K-K-K-KiShINami... H-HAkUnO..."
The Colosseum, true to its name, resembled the Roman Colosseum, if it were built in its glory days. There was no structural damage to be found and red banners hanged from the various arches, each bearing an insignia of some significance. Of what, Emiya couldn't say for certain. Many stone benches lined the stands and a grand balcony sat at the peek, no doubt the seat reserved for a VIP. This seat was also reserved for the Emperor, whenever he wished to gaze upon the Gladiators as they battled. This was no different, only this time the Gladiators were Duelists vying for the top spot on the Score Board.
Emiya expected the Duel that was to take place between her sister and her opponent to be just like that. She wouldn't take the Emperor's seat. Oh no. She was fine having a front-row seat of the whole thing.
However, what she saw...
...was Hell.
"W-what in the world?!" Blue Angel cried in shock.
The Colosseum was damaged. No, that wasn't the right word. It was infected. Several areas were gouged out, data ripped apart by the seams and being torn to shreds. Then it was put back together haphazardly, almost disgusting in its demented fix. Several portions of the dueling area had become infected with dark purple spots that were seeping out into the area, slowly destroying more and more data. In the center of it all was a LINK VRAINS avatar, lying on the ground. His form was covered in red pixels, slowly breaking apart into polygons. His lower half was already missing and was in the process of losing his stomach as well. Not far from him was another LINK VRAINS avatar, only it lacked any definitive features. It was definitely male, but his body was covered in dark data, sparking wildly with glowing eyes that radiated with menacing intent and a thirst for violence.
It brought shivers to her spine. Just looking at him was enough to bring memories of the Holy Grail War back to the surface and to the forefront of her mind. She recoiled at the mere sight of him, recognizing him as some sort of ghost meant to haunt her.
"Who are you?!" Blue Angel demanded after getting over her shock, moving protectively in front of Emiya with her Duel Disk raised, ready to challenge him to a Duel. Or, at the very least, shield her sister from this unknown. "Did you do all of this?"
Upon being addressed, the Black Avatar turned. Rather than look at Blue Angel, he instead looked at Emiya. Their eyes met, and almost immediately a familiar presence became well-known in the air. A presence Emiya knew very well from her time in the Moon Cell.
Killing Intent.
"Now there is a nostalgic face..." the Black Avatar said, his voice covered in static and warped film, yet somehow also familiar to her ears. Yet there was a bloodcurdling edge in his voice: a wrath that made her want to sink into the ground and become swallowed by the earth. "It's been a long time, Hakuno Kishinami."
Emiya froze.
He knew her. He knew her name. Her real name!
Blue Angel's face morphed into shock, staring at the Black Avatar before looking at Emiya, who stepped back in fear. A clarity overcame her as she soon realized the man's possible identity. This killing intent. This overwhelming presence. She knew him. Or rather, she knew of people like him. He was no different than her. A prisoner of the digital hell that was the Moon Cell.
A Master.
"H-how do you know Haku-nee...?" Aoi questioned, unable to comprehend how the stranger knew the real life identity of Emiya, much less her birth name. "Who are you?"
The Black Avatar ignored her completely, his eyes focused on her. He began to approach, footsteps leaving behind black footprints that expanded and devoured the data beneath him. His very existence was destroying LINK VRAINS. It couldn't understand him. Couldn't comprehend him. That wasn't even an Avatar, Emiya was willing to wager. It was nothing more than a body composed of damaged data that was destroying other data around it. A living virus. "How strange... When I thought of when I would meet you again, I thought I would die of anger. Instead, I feel like I might die of disappointment. That look in your eyes... You've grown soft. Not a trace of the girl so desperately fighting for her existence." He snorted and then raised his arm. Sparks danced around his limb as the black shroud of data covering him expanded into a blade, curving around his forearm and ending at his elbow. "Regardless... You're coming with me."
Emiya whimpered, stepping away. Blue Angel, meanwhile, remained where she was. Getting over her shock, she narrowed her eyes and raised her Duel Disk. "Back off, pal! No one touches my little sister!"
At this, the Black Avatar paused. Then he snorted. "A fake sibling. No different than that fake Servant. Don't get in my way, wench. My business is with Hakuno."
"If you want Haku-nee, you have to get through me first, pal!"
Silence. Then the killing intent intensified tenfold. "...so be it."
With a wave of his arm, the world around them suddenly changed. The air turned thick, making it hard to breathe. The surrounding area glitched out, covered by a thin film of static. The sky turned dark red. Upon closer inspection, however, data had begun to encircle them. A bubble of encryption that closed them off, swallowing up the Colosseum and preventing anyone from entering. Her Duel Disk beeped, notifying her of a Duel being registered near her location. Fearfully, she looked up to see a Field materializing between Blue Angel and the Black Avatar.
"In this Encrypted Field, no one can interfere with me or save you." the Black Avatar said. "Feel free to use your Skill. I care little about the rules of this childish game. Just remember...you are the one who asked to be buried."
Aoi Zaizen snarled, swinging her arm. "Bring it on, buster!"
DUEL! ! !
Black Avatar - 4000 LP
Blue Angel - 4000 LP
"My Turn!" the Black Avatar roared as he slammed down a card unto the blade, revealing it to be a bastardized Duel Disk of some sort. "I Normal Summon Ultramarine Commander in Attack Mode!" In a burst of light, a warrior emerged. Its body was covered in black and red data, obscuring its form completely much like its owner, though its bulky form and giant sword made it clear that it was not a foe to be underestimated.
[Ultramarine Commander / WATER / Level 3 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 800 / DEF 1000]
Blue Angel was stunned. "Cracked Cell?" she muttered. "I've never heard of that archtype before!"
The Black Avatar continued, not answering the girl's useless question. "I activate Ultramarine Commander's Effect! When Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon up to two Ultramarines that are Level 3 or lower! From my hand, I Special Summon Ultramarine Sargent and Ultramarine Bomber!" Two more monsters emerged, also wreathed in black data. One was lanky, carrying something on its back whereas the other carried what looked to be a bazooka.
[Ultramarine Sargent / WATER / Level 3 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 600 / DEF 1400]
[Ultramarine Bomber / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 300 / DEF 800]
"Then I activate the Spell, Casualties of War! By sending 3 Warrior-type Monsters in my Deck to the Graveyard, I can destroy a monster on my field! I send Ultramarine Diver, Ultramarine Salvager and Ultramarine Technician to the Graveyard and destroy Ultramarine Sargent!" the Black Avatar continued on, activating his Spell Card. As the cards were thrown into the Graveyard Zone, Ultramarine Sargent was destroyed, reduced to golden flecks.
Blue Angel's eyes narrowed. "He destroyed his own Monster? But why?" A moment later, her eyes widened. "An Effect?!"
"Ultramarine Sargent's Effect activates upon its destruction. I can Special Summon up to three Ultramarines in my Graveyard except for Sargent himself! I Special Summon Ultramarine Diver, Ultramarine Salvager and Ultramarine Technician to the field!" Three monsters emerged. By now, Emiya deduced that these monsters forms would be covered in static so long as the Black Avatar's own body remained cloaked in that destructive shroud of information. Like the previous Ultramarines, they were bulky and covered in black data. One held a spear gun, another had some metal contraption stuck to its back with mechanical claws and another held a gigantic monkey wrench.
[Ultramarine Diver / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 1800]
[Ultramarine Salvager / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 500 / DEF 1500]
[Ultramarine Technician / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 700 / DEF 900]
"Afterwards, we both take 500 points of damage for every monster that was summoned by Ultramrine Sargent's Effect!"
The three monsters let out some sort of mechanical whirl, hinting at their true nature before releasing a violent blast of noise that disrupted the surroundings, causing them to glitch out again. Blue Angel cringed, feeling as if her body had just been struck in several areas. The Black Avatar, meanwhile, didn't even flinch as pain wracked his body.
Black Avatar - 4000 ~ 2500 LP
Blue Angel - 4000 ~ 2500 LP
"Because Ultramarine Diver and Technician were Special Summoned, I can use their Effects. Diver allows me to draw 1 card, once per turn. Technicain's Effect allows me to target an Ultramarine monster I control and destroy it. Afterwards, we both take 500 damage! I add 1 card to my hand and destroy Ultramarine Technician itself!"
Another burst of horrible noise, this one less intense compared to the one released by Sargent's Effect, released by Technician as it was destroyed. It still brought discomfort to Blue Angel as she grimaced, powering through it while stumbling somewhat.
Black Avatar - 2500 ~ 2000 LP
Blue Angel - 2500 ~ 2000 LP
"Technician's Effect also allows me to Special Summon an Ultramarine monster from my Graveyard. Return to the battlefield, Ultramarine Sargent!" In Technician's place, Ultramarine Sargent reappears, releasing a triumphant warped cry as it stood proudly before Blue Angel, together with the other two Monsters on the Black Avatar's field. "I set two cards face-down, and end my turn."
Emiya looked at her sister in worry. He already reduced her Life Points to half, just on the first Turn alone. But he also did the same damage to himself as well. His Deck, is it the same as Aoi-nee-chan's? And yet he didn't look the least bit fazed by the damage. He was tanking his own hits as if they were nothing to him. Then again, if he is from the Moon Cell... Then this pain is nothing compared to the Grail War.
"So, your Deck specializes in Effect Damage, huh?" Blue Angel said, forcing a smile on her face. "Two can play at that game! It's my Turn! Draw!" A card materialized from her deck, which soon vanished in her hand after pulling it out. "From my Hand, I activate the Spell, Terraforming! This lets me add a Field Spell card from my Deck to my hand. "Then I activate that Field Spell, my special Trickstar Light Stage! When activated, I can add a Trickstar to my Hand!" Another card formed from her Duel Disk. However, this one was special, as Emiya recalled this particular strategy of Blue Angel's. "Because it was added to my Hand without Drawing, I can Special Summon Trickstar Lilybell to the Field!"
A familiar face emerged - a fairy-like girl with pink hair and a grin, holding a staff with a bell attached.
[Trickstar Lilybell / LIGHT / Level 2 / Fairy / Effect / ATK 800 / DEF 2000]
"Then I Normal Summon Trickstar Candina!" Blue Angel announced as another monster danced next to Lilybell, wearing a yellow dress with the same grin as her fellow fairy, only she carried a megaphone in hand.
[Trickstar Candina / LIGHT / Level 4 / Fairy / Effect / ATK 1800 / DEF 400]
"Let the show begin!" Aoi Zaizen declared with a wide smile. "From my Hand, I activate the Effects of my trio of Trickstar Lycoris! By revealing them, I can target a Trickstar monster I control. By returning that monster to my Hand, I can Special Summon them to the field! So, I return Trickstar Cardina to my Hand and Special Summon my trio of Lycoris!" Together, three new monsters appeared, dancing in the air and waving their sabers while the megaphone wielding Cardina vanished, returning to Blue Angel's hand.
[Trickstar Lycoris / LIGHT / Level 3 / Fairy / Effect / ATK 1600 / DEF 1200]
"Then I activate Light Stage's second effect! Until the End Phase, you can't activate one of your face-downs. At the End Phase, you either have to activate it, or send that card to the Graveyard." Blue Angel told him as her Field Spell released a glow, sending a piercing light and stabbing into one of the cards on the Black Avatar's field.
He was unconcerned, however, as he swung he scoffed. "A futile attempt. I activate the Trap, Ultramarine Ignition! I target an Ultramarine monster I control. After destroying it, I gain 1000 Life Points!" As the card flipped upwards, one of his monsters began to spasm, its corrupt data becoming erratic as red circuits began to form. "I destroy Ultramarine Bomber, and then activate its Effect! When this card is destroyed, I can destroy a set card on your side of the field! Then we both take 1000 points of damage!"
Blue Angel's eyes widened. "What?!"
Ultramarine Bomber's body sparked, and then released a powerful explosion, shattering in the process. The powerful blast nearly threw Emiya off of her feet, skidding back. Blue Angel gritted her teeth as she and the Black Avatar were at ground zero, her avatar's clothing becoming torn from the blast while immense pain erupted across her body. The Black Avatar's digital shroud fizzled out for a moment, but because of the smoke Emiya couldn't see who was hiding underneath it. Then the smoke cleared, revealing the Field to be scorched and damaged.
The force of that explosion was intense... If that had been any stronger, Aoi-nee-chan would have been...!
She didn't dare finish that train of thought.
Black Avatar - 2000 LP
Blue Angel - 2000 ~ 1000 LP
"I'm impressed. Most would have become unconscious from that blow." the Black Avatar said, though his voice implied he didn't actually consider his words to be a compliment. It was more of an observation. "Regardless... The outcome is clear. You will lose this battle."
"No, I won't!" Blue Angel scowled. "I won't let you touch Haku-nee!"
Even so, this is bad...! Aoi thought, looking at the Black Avatar's field. Now that Light Stage is gone, he can use that face-down. All of his Monsters ATK are low enough for me to declare an attack, and given what I've seen so far, his Desk is all about card destruction and effect damage. Who knows what kinds of Effects these things have? She bit her lip, glancing at the ground. If I just go in blindly, my Life Points will hit zero before his will. She had to think of a way to get around his defense. If destroying his Monsters was going to end with her going down...
"Then I'll beat him without destroying them! I activate the Spell, Trickstar Vision! I can Special Summon a Trickstar in my Hand by sealing its Effects and halving its ATK! Come on back to the stage, Cardina!" Cardina returned in a burst of light, beaming as she joined the trio of Lycoris.
[Trickstar Cardina: ATK 1800 ~ 900]
"Afterwards, we both draw 1 card from our Decks!" A card formed from their decks, soon taken into their hands. "Then Lycoris' Effect activates! When you add a card to your hand, you take 200 points of damage! I have three Trickstar Lycoris, thus you take three times that amount!" Together, the three fairies aimed their rapiers at him, releasing a bolt of light that struck the Black Avatar, dispersing some of the shroud on his body, but not giving away his identity. He didn't even flinch from the impact.
Black Avatar - 2000 ~ 1400 LP
Blue Angel grinned. That had put some damage. But it wasn't enough. Not yet! "Come out, the Circuit of Dreams and Hope!" Above them, the square-shaped ring manifested above. "The Summoning Condition is two Trickstar monsters! I set Trickstar Cardina and one of my Lycoris into the Link Arrows! Circuit Combined!" The two girls waved at Emiya before they became arrows of light, slamming into two of the cursors before the ring exploded in light, allowing a new monster to emerge. Compared to the other Trickstars, it was beautiful with a hint of elegance to its form. Garbed in crimson red with a multi-colored handcuff spinning around in its gloved hand with a mischievous grin. "Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Trickstar Bloody Mary!"
[Trickstar Bloody Mary / LIGHT / LM: Right, Lower-Left / Fairy / Link / Effect / ATK 2000 / LINK-2]
"Pretty..." Emiya muttered in spite of the situation. As if noticing her look of awe, Bloody Mary blew her a kiss.
Blue Angel smiled at this. Even one of her ace monsters liked her sister. No surprise there! "I activate Bloody Mary's Effect! Once per turn, I can discard a Trickstar card in my hand, and afterwards, we both draw 1 card! I send Trickstar Scatter to my Graveyard!" As the card was sent away, the two duelists accepted their cards. The Black Avatar knew what was to come next, however. "Then Lycoris' Effect activates!" Once again, the sword-wielding fairies sent out a bolt of light that struck him, though like before, he was unfazed. More of the shroud came undone, revealing a coat beneath the dark data.
Black Avatar - 1400 ~ 1000 LP
"Trickstar Lilybell's Effect lets her attack my opponents directly!" Blue Angel announced, finally taking to the Battle Phase. "I attack you directly with Trickstar Lilybell! Ringing Strike!"
Lilybell let out a cute battle cry, leaping past the army of Ultramarine monsters and going straight for the Black Avatar. Emiya knew that this wouldn't go the way Blue Angel thought it would, as the killing intent that flooded the air intensified.
"I activate my face-down, Ultramarine Entrenchment! When my opponent declares an attack, I change all my monsters into DEF Position! Then I destroy both the monster declaring the attack and an Ultramarine Monster I Control! Your fairy and my Ultramarine Sargent are sent to the Graveyard!" Just as Lilybell entered striking range, Ultramarine Sargent interfered, swinging its large sword against her staff, resulting in the two destroyed together. "Ultramarine Sargent's Effect! I have Ultramarine Technician return to the battlefield! And now we both take 500 damage!"
With the reappearance of Technician, another burst erupted. Blue Angel skidded back, her body reeling from the damage. Wincing, she looked up to see that, as she expected, the Black Avatar was practically unfazed by his own attack. Unebelievable... How can he be tanking all of this damage?! It hurts just to stand right now, but he doesn't even look remotely exhausted!
Black Avatar - 1000 ~ 500 LP
Blue Angel: 1000 ~ 500 LP
"So, you're still standing..."
Blue Angel gritted her teeth, mustering the best grin she could as she straightened herself out, ignoring the blazing pain in her body. "I'm tougher than I look. At least I forced you down to my Life Points. This would have ended in a Draw. I set two cards face-down and end my Turn."
The Black Avatar didn't start his next move. Instead, he gazed upon his opponent with an unknown expression before lowering his head. "Still fighting, for the sake of someone with no future?" he asked, almost mockingly. Emiya shuddered, feeling the scathing hate in those words as he looked up, eyes radiating with menacing intent. "How foolish. It is pointless to protect someone who was never meant to exist in the first place!"
In response, Blue Angel's face twisted in anger. "How dare you say that about Haku-nee!" she growled. "What do you even know about her in the first place?! She's never done anything wrong to you!"
"She killed me the last time we met. That is more than enough to hate her existence."
Emiya's body froze. Her mind locked up, almost shutting down from the memories that started to appear before her, replaying. The Duel became replaced by the battles of the Moon Cell Holy Grail War. She and Archer stood on one side of the battlefield, and her defeated opponent lay broken on the other, slowly breaking apart and dying. Shinji. Gatou. Alice. Rin. Their faces appeared, one after the other. The most prominent had been Shinji's, his face marred with tears and horrific realization setting in as he soon realized just what defeat in the Grail War meant. She watched him, screaming and in tears for someone to help him, banging on the barriers separating them before he broke apart like glass.
Aoi stared at the Black Avatar, eyes wide and stepping back before she recomposed herself, shaking her head. "No, you're lying!" she shouted. "Haku-nee would never kill anyone! And even if she did, how are you here?!"
"The same reason why she was chosen as a Master. Because of SERAPH." the Black Avatar answered her before his killing intent raged further, turning his attention to the frightened Emiya, who shrunk beneath his gaze. The rage, the anger, the loathing in those eyes had nearly brought her down to her knees. She could feel tears starting to swell in her eyes. "Do you remember me, Hakuno Kishinami? If not... Then I will make you remember." The black shroud that obscured his form glitched for a moment, as if barely holding on. Or, perhaps, it was reacting to his anger. Regardless, the intent was clear.
He was going to destroy Aoi Zaizen.
"My Turn! Draw!"
"Lycoris' Effect! You take 400 damage!" Blue Angel reminded him of her two Trickstars, who sent bolts of light at his body. They hit their mark, destroying more of the veil obscuring the true appearance of his avatar. However, his identity was still unknown to her or Emiya.
Black Avatar - 500 ~ 100 LP
"I then activate my face-down, Trickstar Reincarnation! This banishes the cards in your Hand! Then you must the same amount of cards that were banished!" The Black Avatar snorted, discarding his hand and replacing it with new cards. Blue Angel's eyes narrowed, wanting to finish this Duel quickly. His words and presence were making Emiya panic. She needed to defeat him and fast! "And now, Lycoris' Effect activates again!"
"Useless!" the Black Avatar roared. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Masochistic Immortality! I gain Life Points equal to a multiple of 1000, the max being 4000!" The distorted information that obscured him shimmered, expanding and hiding his exposed body once again as the damage that had been dealt to him was reversed. If he had felt any pain from his own attacks, it shortly disappeared. "Using Masochistic Immortaity, I gain 4000 Life Points!"
Black Avatar - 100 ~ 4100 LP
Blue Angel cursed as her Trickstars sent out several bolts of light, striking him and destroying the newly recovered shroud once again. "Dammit!"
Black Avatar - 4100 ~ 2900 LP
"I told you before. Your efforts are useless." the dark figure told her with tranquil fury. "No matter how strong you are... Someone who has not experienced death cannot defeat me!" He returned his gaze to Hakuno Kishinami. For a moment, the dark veil of data parted to reveal a face enraptured by rage. "Hakuno Kishinami! If you have forgotten me, then I shall make you remember my existence! I Summon Ultramarine Repairman from my Hand to the Field!" A burst of light, and another black bulky figure emerged, this one also having something mechanical on its back with several strange tools whirring about.
[Ultramarine Repairman / WATER / Level 1 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 0]
"I activate Repairman's Effect! When Normal or Special Summoned, I can destroy an Ultramarine and gain 1000 Life Points! I destroy Ultramarine Technician!" The tools attacked to Repairman whirrled to life, striking at Technician and dismantling it, further revealing the true nature of these Monsters before the distorted data that obscured the identity of the Black Avatar was repaired once again, his Life Points being restored.
Black Avatar - 2900 ~ 3900 LP
"I then activate Technician's Effect, returning Ultramarine Sargent to my field!" The Black Avatar called as his Life Points were restored and his more familiar monster returned. His gaze shifted, focused on both Zaizen sisters and releasing even more killing intent than before. It was suffocating. "It is time to begin... Remember my rage, Hakuno Kishinami. Know my hatred! Come before me, my Circuit of despair!" Like with Aoi's own Link Summon, a square circle appeared above them. However, it was vastly different. It had the same fundamental shape and design, but the circuit looked to be in utter disrepair. It was cracked, revealing exposed wires and black sparks dancing around it. The sight unnerved Emiya greatly. Enough so that she felt a presence slowly emerging from it. Something familiar.
It can't be...!
"The Summoning Condition is three Cracked Cell Monsters! I set Ultramarine Repairman, UltraMarine Commander and Ultramarine Diver into the Link Arrows! Circuit Combine!" The three Ultramarines became black orbs of light, shooting straight into the circuit. Unlike with Go's circuit, or Emiya's or Blue Angel's, when the monsters slammed into the cursors, the circuit shattered apart and exploded with black energy, shooting straight down into the Field, kicking up dust and earth while a shockwave of power threatened to send the two girls off their feet and into the air. "Link Summon! Link 3..."
The dust parted, allowing Blue Angel and Emiya to see the Link Monster summoned before them. When Emiya saw it, her heart nearly stopped. Her eyes widened as fear engulfed her. Unlike the Ultramarine monsters, its form was only partially obscured by black data. No. More accurately, it was suffering from the same plight as the Colosseum. Parts of its body was destroyed, marred by twisted black pixels. It was very human shaped, more so than any Duel Monster in the game. It resembled a Chinese martial artist, wearing a dark orange tunic with black pants. It's face was set into a frown, eyes as black as coal with only glowing red pupils. Its hair was fiery red, some of it tied back into a spiky tail. It radiated the aura of a warrior, yet its pride was overwritten with madness. It showed the passion of a warrior, but its mind was clouded by insanity.
Emiya knew this monster well. She had fought it before, in the Moon Cell Holy Grail War. Alongside its Master. A man she swore that she would never forget, even if she was to be erased by the Moon Cell completely. It fought for only a single purpose: to fight. To feel the thrill of battle. It lived on violence. Enjoyed it. Prospered in it, even. To this monster - to this individual, battle was his life's calling. For there was no greater pleasure than battling the most powerful of foes.
The Assassin-Class Servant, Li Shuwen.
N-no... That isn't possible! He can't be-!
"Corroded Servant - Berserker!"
[Corroded Servant - Berserker / DARK / LM: Upper Right, Right, and Bottom Right / Fiend / Servant / Effect / ATK 2800 / LINK-3]
Blue Angel felt a cold shudder run down her spine, her instincts telling her to forfeit the match and flee with Emiya while she still had the chance. "Wh-what is that monster...?" she questioned. "That thing... It isn't a Duel Monster. What is it?!"
"Your end." the Black Avatar answered with a cold tone. "When Berserker is successfully Link Summoned, he gains 1 Battle Counter." A dark flame lit up beside Berserker. Inside that flame was the kanji "戦い" - battle. "Furthermore, for every card he's linked to, he gains an additional Battle Counter. Your Trickstar Lycoris and my Ultramarine Sargent are linked to it, thus Berserker gains two more Counters!" Two more flames appeared beside Berserker, who assumed a battle stance. Somehow, its form radiated bloodlust, further solidfying Aoi's thoughts that this was not an ordinary card. "Battle! I attack Trickstar Bloody Mary with Berserker! My Servant's Effect then activates! By removing 1 Battle Counter, I seal your monster's Effects!"
Berserker's eyes glowed, then releasing a horrible battle cry that made Bloody Mary scream in fright. As Berserker's Counter dispersed, he reared back his fist, readying for a strike that would end Blue Angel. That was how he battled: to end his opponent in a singe, unblockable blow. Even so, Blue Angel was not about to let him achieve victory so easily!
"I activate my face-down, Trickstar Charm!" she called out, just as Berserker readied his attack. "When my opponent declares an attack, or if I would take damage from an Effect, I gain LP equal to one monster I control! I target my Trickstar Bloody Mary, and gain 2000 Life Points!" The card released a beautiful light, swallowing Blue Angel and healing her up from all the damage she sustained because of the Black Avatar's attacks.
Blue Angel - 500 ~ 2500 LP
Berserker continued forward, neither hindered nor caring that her life points had been restored. He thrust out his fist, sending forward a black shockwave that ripped apart the ground and tore uplifted debris into dust. It slammed straight into Bloody Mary, destroying her and sending a powerful shockwave against Blue Angel. Her feet were promptly removed from the ground, sending her flying.
Emiya's heart leaped with horror. "Aoi-nee-chan!"
Her fears were waved off shortly after as Blue Angel managed to regain her balance, landing back on her feet in a crouch. Though when she attempted to get up, she yelped and found herself kneeling again, the pain intense. What...kind of attack was that?! Aoi thought in shock. That kind of power... LINK VRAINS' DMG Restrictions should have lowered the solid mass output of that attack considerably, a-and yet...
And yet she felt as if she had just been struck by a wrecking ball. It was a miracle she was even conscious right now.
Blue Angel - 2500 ~ 1700 LP
"I am not finished with you yet, woman." the Black Avatar told her frigidly. "Your suffering has only just begun. I activate the Spell, Passion of War! Until the End Phase, all Warrior-Type monsters gain 500 ATK points. Also, during the End Phase, if a Warrior-Type Monster was destroyed the Turn this Spell is activated, my opponent is dealt 300 for each Warrior-type in the Graveyard."
A menacing red aura surrounded the Black Avatar's field, wreathing his monsters, who let out garbled, yet enthralled cries.
[Ultramarine Sargent: ATK 600 ~ 1100]
Aoi eyed her opponent and his exulting monsters with narrowed eyes, sweat pouring down her brow as she panted from pain and exhaustion. "Eighteen-hundred damage." she panted. "Was this how...you were going to beat Masochistic Immortality?"
"How perceptive of you." the Black Avatar responded. "If I take damage equal or greater than the LP I gained through its effect, in this case 4000, my Life Points will be reduced by that same amount. Unfortunately for you, little girl... This duel's outcome was decided the moment you decided to challenge me. Then again... It wouldn't have mattered either way. Anyone who sees me will be eliminated. Now, Blue Angel... It is time to disappear." A cold dread crawled up Emiya's spine, felt even in the real world, as the oppressive bloodlust in the air, mixed together with killing intent, began choking the life out of her. "I end my Turn."
Upon Julius's declaration, his Link Monster began glowing with blood red energy, as did an afterimage of his Masochistic Immortality and Passion of War.
"The effects of my servant, Masochistic Immortality, and Passion of War activate at the same time." the Black Avatar explained. "Thus, I am the one who gets to choose the order in which they resolve! I select Masochistic Immortality as Chain Link 1, before chaining Passion of War to Masochistic Immortality as Chain Link 2, and chaining the effect of Berserker to Passion of War as Chain Link 3! Resolve in reverse order! Berserker!"
In response to the Black Avatar's command, the immense servant turned towards the pixelated Ultramarine monster, glaring down at the pixelated mess with a murderous expression in his eyes.
"At the end of each of my turns, Berserker destroys all monsters linked to himself! Since Ultramarine Sargent is linked to Berserker, it is destroyed!"
With a spin, Berserker's leg demolished Ultramarine Sargent, reducing it to mere flakes of black energy that began to swirl around Berserker's body, creating a miniature storm of darkness, only further enhancing the demonic visage of the monster.
"Ultramarine Sargent's effect!" he declared, "I special summon Ultramarine Technician, Repairman, and Bomber in attack position before making both of us take fifteen-hundred damage!"
"Aoi-nee-chan!" Emiya cried, tears streaming down her face as she felt what was coming. Now that she knew who the Black Avatar was, she knew that her sister had no chance of winning.
She was dead the moment he brought out Li Shuwen.
"Stay back!" Blue Angel warned Emiya, not wanting her to get involved. "I'm not finished yet! I activate Trickstar Charm's effect from my graveyard! By banishing this card when a player would take effect damage, I can negate the damage and instead gain Life Points equal to the damage negated!"
Berserker thrusted his fist forward, sending the tornado of black, corrupt data straight at her. However, dancing pink hearts emerged, swirling around the blue-haired avatar and absorbing the damage before exploding into stars, healing up the earlier-dealt damage.
Blue Angel - 1700 ~ 3200
"You think this will save you, Aoi Zaizen?" the Black Avatar questioned, catching her off guard by addressing her by her real name. "Ultramarine Reparman's effect! Since it was Special Summoned, I gain 1000 Life Points before targeting my own Ultramarine Bomber and destroying it!"
Black Avatar - 3900 ~ 4900 LP
"Ultramarine Bomber's effect!" he continued. "Since it was destroyed, I can destroy my Ultramarine Repairman and inflict 1000 damage to both of our Life Points!"
Just as it had done before, the bulky black Monster developed red circuits that glowed as its body imploded. In the next second, it exploded and destroyed the Field further. Blue Angel gritted her teeth as the explosion ripped away some of her avatar's clothing, creating digital tears, revealing the blue framework that embodied her character. One of her pigtails came undone and her right wing was half-torn, marred by singes.
Julius: 4900 ~ 3900 LP
Aoi: 3200 ~ 2200 LP
"Ultramarine Repairman's effect! Since it was destroyed, I gain 1000 Life Points before we each take 1000 damage!"
The second monster to be destroyed exploded, albeit in a much more dangerous way as, rather than an explosion or releasing a burst of noise that disrupted or destroyed data, it instead shot out black shards. Numerous jet black pieces struck the ground, tearing up the landscape and even destroying a pillar. Blue Angel cried out in pain as several shards struck her, each causing her to stumble back before knocked to the ground. Her other wing was gone, ripped to shreds and her other pigtail came undone, leaving her hair down. More of her avatar's frame was exposed. It was so extensive that the tears weren't even able to properly restore themselves.
Julius: 4900 LP
Aoi: 2200 ~ 1200 LP
At this point, the outcome of the battle had long since been decided. Especially as Berserker's eyes glowed ominously, fist clenched and arm reared back. Black waves erupted from its body, mouth agape and revealing sharp molars and eyes burning with bloodlust. "Aoi-nee-chan!" Emiya screamed out at the top of her lungs. "Get out of there! Now! Before Assassin-!"
"It's too late for you!" the Black Avatar roared. "DIE!"
Empowered by Passion of War, meant to deliver the final blow, Berserker released a terrifying, blood-curdling battle cry as his body vanished from sight, only to reappear and deliver the killing blow, ramming his fist straight into Blue Angel's body. The ground ripped apart from the strike, debris sent flying into the air, only to be broken down into pixels and polygons, which disintegrated only moments later. A shockwave erupted, destroying whatever remained of Aoi Zaizen's wings. Her body was sent flying through the air, mouth agape and eyes wide, the pain overwhelming her senses.
When she hit the ground, she felt nothing. Her ability to feel pain had been ripped apart completely, leaving her only in a weakened state before her consciousness faded away.
Julius: 4900 ~ 3100 LP
Aoi: 1200 ~ 0
"AOI!"
As the Field vanished, Emiya finally snapped out of her fear and ran towards her sister, sliding to a stop and falling to her knees, cradling her sister's unconscious body. She was alive, that was for certain. But her body... The amount of damage she would have to have received, pain filter or no! "W-wake up...!" she begged, tears dropping from her face as she tried to wake Aoi up. In the back of her mind, she knew it wouldn't be so simple.
As Berserker's form faded away, now that his task was finished in this battle, the Black Avatar lowered his arm and stared at the two girls, eyes blank before his shroud began to disperse. Now that the interloper was gone, he no longer had any need to hide his form any longer. Especially now that the target of his hate was before him.
"Because I took more than 4000 damage this turn, the effect of Masochistic Immortality does not cause me to lose 4000 Life Points." he explained, voice no longer distorted or warped. Hearing him speak, Hakuno froze momentarily before her shoulders began to tremble, eyes glaring at him from beneath her bangs. "If she's still alive, then she must be related to you. How ironic. The only true family you have, and she stood before me like a fool."
"...why are you here?" Emiya asked slowly, voice seething with anger.
The man narrowed his eyes. "I'm here to collect you. As much as I would like to kill you, that woman requires something from you. Unless you want to die here, Hakuno Kishinami, you will come with me."
"That wasn't what I meant!" the girl roared, leaping to her feet and revealing the eyes he wanted to see: eyes full of anger and rage. The same eyes he possessed now. "The Moon Cell deleted you! I watched you fade away! I held your hand! I tried to cry for you!" Her hands balled into fists, tears of frustration and anger falling from her cheeks as she stared at the man, who gazed back with apathy. "Tell me! How are you still here!"
He spoke of her forgetting his existence... But that was not true. She could never forget his face, even if she tried. This was the face of the man she mourned. That she feared. That she couldn't help but pity for his lot in life.
This was the man...that she had killed twice.
"ANSWER ME, JULIUS!"
COMING UP!
Her opponent is revealed. Julius B. Harway. A man who died twice. Both times by her hand. He now stands before her to pass judgement, warped by hate! Hakuno is on the verge of defeat! However, just as Berserker prepares to deliver the final blow...!
? ? ?: TURN-04: SERVANT! Mikon~! Watch carefully as my Husband protects her adorbs big sis!
Ultramarine Commander / WATER / Level 3 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 800 / DEF 1000 / If this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon up to 2 Level 3 or lower "Ultramarine" monsters from your hand in face-up attack position. (Those Monsters cannot be used as Link Materials this turn). If this card is destroyed: Both players take 1000 damage.
Ultramarine Sargent / WATER / Level 3 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 600 / DEF 1400 / If this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Ultramarine" Monster from your deck. (That monster cannot be used as a Link Material this turn). If this card is destroyed: You can target up to 3 "Ultramarine" monsters in your GY (except "Ultramarine Sargent") ; Special Summon them in face-up attack position, and if you do, both player's take damage equal to the number of monsters summoned with this effect X 500. (This effect of "Ultramarine Sargent" can only be used once per turn).
Ultramarine Bomber / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 300 / DEF 800 / If this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 "Ultramarine" monster you control; Destroy it. If this card is destroyed: You can target 1 card on the field; Destroy it, and if you do, both players take 1000 damage.
Ultramarine Diver / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 1800 / If this card is Special Summoned: Draw 1 card. (You can only use this effect of "Ultramarine Diver" once per turn). If this card is destroyed; You can add 1 "Ultramarine" Card from your GY to your hand, and if you do, both players take damage equal to the total number of cards in both player's hands X 100.
Ultramarine Salvager / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 500 / DEF 1500 / If this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Ultramarine" Monster from your deck to your hand. If this card is destroyed: You can target 1 "Ultramarine" monster you control; Both players take 500 damage, and if they do, Destroy that target.
Ultramarine Technician / WATER / Level 2 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 700 / DEF 900 / If this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 "Ultramarine" monster you control; Both players take 500 damage, and if they do, destroy that target. If this card is destroyed: You can target 1 "Ultramarine" monster in your GY (Except "Ultramarine Technician") Special Summon it in face-up attack position. (This effect of "Ultramarine Technician" can only be used once per turn).
Ultramarine Repairman / WATER / Level 1 / Warrior / Cracked Cell / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 0 / If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can target 1 "Ultramarine" monster you control; Gain 1000 LP, and if you do, Destroy it. If this card is destroyed: You can target 1 card on the field; Destroy it, and if you do, both players take 1000 damage. Increase your LP by 1000, and if you do, both players take 1000 damage.
Corroded Servant - Berserker / DARK / Links: Upper Right, Right, and Bottom Right / Fiend / Servant / Effect / ATK 2800 / LINK-3 / 3 Cracked Cell Monsters / When this card is Link Summoned Successfully: Place 1 Battle Counter on this card for each Warrior-Type Monster linked to this card. Once per turn, if you declare an attack against a Link Monster your opponent controls: You can remove 1 "Battle Counter" from this card; Negate that monster's effects. During the End Phase, Destroy all monsters linked to this card. This effect cannot be negated.
Masochistic Immortality / Spell / Quick-Play / Gain LP in any multiple of 1000 (Max. 4,000 LP). During the End-Phase, if you did not take damage this turn equal to or greater than the amount of LP gained with this effect: Reduce your LP by the amount of LP gained with this effect.
Casualties of War / Spell / Normal / Send 3 Warrior-Type Monsters from your deck to the GY (Effects that activate in the GY are not activated at this time) to target 1 "Warrior-Type Monster you control; Destroy it.
Passion of War / Spell / Normal / Until the End Phase, all Warrior-Type Monsters gain 500 ATK. During the End Phase, if a Warrior-Type Monster was destroyed this Turn: Both Players take 300 damage for each Warrior-Type Monster in the GY.
Ultramarine Ignition / Trap / Normal / Target 1 "Ultramarine" Monster you control: Gain 1000 LP, and if you do, destroy that target.
Ultramarine Entrenchment / Trap / Normal / If an opponent's monster declares an attack: You can target that attacking monster; Change all other monsters to defense position, and if you do, destroy the attacking monster and 1 "Ultramarine" monster you control.
Trickstar Charm / Trap / Normal / If an opponent's monster declares an attack, or you would take effect damage from an opponent's card effect: You can target 1 "Trickstar" monster you control: Gain LP equal to that monster's ATK, then, if your LP are greater than your opponent's LP, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls; take control of it until the End Phase. If a player would take effect damage: You can banish this card from your GY; Negate the effect damage, and if you do, gain LP equal to double the amount of damage negated.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Special thanks go to Donjusticia who helped me create Blue Angel/Aoi Zaizen and Julius' Duel, as well as beta-ing.
People are confused about who is older: Hakuno or Aoi, due to their honorifics towards each other. Hakuno refers to Aoi by "nee-chan" which, from what I've been learning from other sites and asking others, is the neutral term for "sister." Aoi refers to Hakuno as "Haku-nee," which is also a neutral term. Terms that mean elder sister are "nee-san," "nee-sama" and anything involving "onee-." In short, Aoi is the older sister by a few days.
Please correct me if I am wrong on this. I am only human.
REVIEWS
Guest #1: I might consider that idea. To be honest, I've only finished 5D's and caught up on VRAINS. I have not seen ZEXAL. What I do know about it is that it has a rather lackluster first season from what I've heard. Still, I will try.
cooking samurai: Glad you liked the idea. I figured sticking strictly to just "Automation", "Moon Cell" and "Servant" cards will be boring pretty fast, so I have a few cards in mind. So far, only the Black and Yellow Kings have been made. Other are still pending. And to answer your question... Well, that would be spoilers.
jeD Cat: This, uh, answer your question?
Starlight's Poet: I'm glad you enjoyed the Duel. Already answered that question about Accel World characters appearing as Monster cards in Hakuno's Deck, though I am debating adding other characters like Silver Crow. And yep: so far, EMIYA and Nero have done narrating. Now it is Tamamo's turn to do the preview. Yusaku won't appear for a little while. When he does appear next, though, I think you may enjoy it.
A 'Reincarnated' writer: Nope. Negas Nebula was based on Black Lotus.
Guest #2: Hm, can't say much right now about that. Ask me later when I can give out spoilers when shit is about to hit the fan.
sakaewmatsui: Thank you very much. I'm updating my stories simultaneously, so update times will be very in-between since I'm working on them all at once. That also means when I make my new story, I will be focusing on it quite a bit to catch up with my other stories.
Daemon of Crawling Tentacles: As said above, updates will be few in between. Apologies. I will try to meet your expectations, though.
Boyzilla: Thank you very much! I've read some of your work, and I pretty much fell in love with Digital Lunar Hearth and Digital Extra. That being said... -_- you are a cruel, heartless bastard for what you did in the latest chapter of the latter. You made me cry, I hope you know.
The-Great-Me-Sama: Thank you very much. I went with Extra, especially since I think, given the ending of the game, it might actually be plausible. But hey, that's just me. And thank you for the tips. But trust me, there is more to Hakuno's deck than just that. As for the multiple copies thing... Just look at Blue Angel.
Guest (VRAINSFan93): Glad you liked the chapter. Regarding the Kings of Pure Color, already answered that one. And yeah, certain little details around Hakuno and her deck are meant to be nods to the Fate/EXTRA games (minus the Accel World cameo cards). And you bring up a good point. A few of Hakuno's opponents early on will be Card Hunters...until shit starts to hit the fan. Then she'll be wishing she was up against opponents who just wanted her cards.
No Fanfic No Life: Okay, first of all, let me just say I absolutely love that profile name. Regarding the Alter Ego cards... No comment. As Hakuno is but a complete novice of the game who's only gotten the barebones, I felt her losing would be appropriate. She is not going to be some Mary Sue. She can and will lose Duels, especially when they matter in the long run. Already answered how old Aoi and Hakuno are.
Blue Bragon: Since this Hakuno fought with Archer, her using Emiya and having her Avatar with white streaks was made out of homage for her partner and for the "selfless slash selfish baka."
Aira Aura: Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy more of it.
Guest (mike21): Sorry. But unless something changes, all Servants will be Link Monsters.
Guest (FanNasuVerse93): Indeed. Unlike other stories, where the protag is usually some Gary/Mary Sue, Hakuno is more on the lines of a Duelist who is not always perfect. She can and will Duels, especially ones that matter. Especially right now, where she's only just begun to learn how to Duel. And there are many opponents who are vastly more skilled than her.
ThePLOThand: Um...thanks, I guess?