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!

Rin Tohsaka, the Master of Lancer, has appeared before Hakuno as the new transfer student of Den Academy! And she came bearing startling revelations! Julius B. Harway, alongside few others, are from parallel worlds that occurred within the Moon Cell, banded together beneath the woman as Kiara Sessyoin, who covets the Regalia!

Lost and confused, Hakuno encounters Emma Bessho, a Treasure Hunter who has taken an interest in her and offers information! She suggests a Duel, and if Hakuno wins, she learns about a second Dead Face within LINK VRAINS!

What will happen next?

Only one way to find out! INTO THE VRAINS! ! !


Fate/VRAINS


Inside LINK VRAINS, there were substantially fewer duelists logged in, no doubt in regards to the large scale manhunt being conducted. The streets and parks and arenas were devoid of activity. Meanwhile, orbs danced around in the sky, surveying the area with glowing blue eyes as if searching for something.

Hidden in the shadows, a dark figure watched them go. He stared, observing their patterns and watching them move about. He was memorizing their patterns and patrol schedules. He had remained hidden from their sight due to his own abilities, but soon, he would have to make his move. He wouldn't be able to stay here any longer.

He was running low on time.

"H-H-HaVe to f-f-finD heR..." he said, voice warped and distorted as he slunk back into the shadows as another patrol came by, sweeping the area.

The patrol came by, sweeping the area that the dark figure had been in. The buildings became covered in a thin film of blue light, currently being scanned. When nothing was discovered, the drone pulled away, unaware of the shadow that had hid away from its sight...


It was already past midnight, and yet Hakuno couldn't find it within herself to actually go to sleep. She was too tired to even think about sleep, if that made any sense. Akira and Aoi had already gone to bed, softly asleep in their own rooms while she sat in the living room, staring at the cup of water in her hand. Her reflection was shown clearly, revealing her exhausted expression.

[Master,] Archer called from within her Duel Disk. [Why don't you get some sleep?]

"...do you think it was a mistake?"

[Hm?]

"Me coming here, I mean." Hakuno clarified, smiling bitterly. "I don't remember anything, aside from my time in the Holy Grail War. Sure, they weren't pleasant...but they were all I had. When I was being deleted, I felt so terrified. Back then, all I did was just fight. Not because it was what I had to do to survive, but because I wanted to know something about me. Just, anything. But, as it kept going... I started to realize just how scared I was. That I was then fighting just to stay alive, like everyone else." She looked down at her reflection again. She didn't see her face. Only the face of the girl who had given her this life. "Even if she gave me a chance to live... I can't help but feel like I took away something precious to her. Hell, none of them even know I'm not Hakuno Zaizen."

Archer remained silent. Hakuno continued, "I'm happy to know that she was willing to let me live a life I never have, but... Look at what's happening. I find out that people I've fought before in the Grail War, people I've killed, are now coming back for me. All because I have some stupid program." Her hands tightened around the cup, face contorting. "Should I... Should I have just let the Moon Cell delete me?"

[...Master.] the Servant of the Bow said suddenly. [Can I be frank?] Hakuno tilted her head, but nodded. Archer sucked in a breath. [...you are an idiot.]

...huh? For a moment, Hakuno felt her brain short circuit. D-did Archer really just-?

[Should you have let the Moon Cell delete you? Of course not! Have you already forgotten what Robin Hood's Master told you when you defeated him?] Archer asked. Hakuno immediately shook her head. Of the many Masters she had fought, it had been Dan Blackmore, an old soldier who fought for a much grander reason than her selfish wish, that left a great impact. If anything, other than Rin it was him who forced her to march forward, unbidden by others. [No matter what, you must move forward. Even if you have to step into hell, you must never falter.]

"B-but..."

[Hakuno.] The girl paused, noting how her partner had addressed her by name. [Don't forget... I'm right here with you.]

Hakuno's eyes widened, stunned. A moment passed before she realized just how stupid she had been, being so depressed. Even if the situation was slowly becoming more and more like that of the Holy Grail War, was now really the time to be hesitating? She couldn't just sit around and do nothing. If she hesitated, what would happen to her family? Aoi had already been hurt by Julius. If she did nothing and waited...

"...sorry for being so pessimistic, Archer." she said, smiling slightly before she took out the card Emma gave her. "The second black avatar that Emma mentioned... Do you think it could be another Dead Face?"

[Chances are very likely. She didn't seem to be lying. That being said, you should be careful. She seemed quite confident in her abilities.]

Hakuno nodded, appreciating the warning. She looked out the window, gazing into the beautiful landscape presented outside of the room. It was beautiful. Genuine. A breathtaking sight that couldn't be replicated, not even by something as sophisticated as the Moon Cell.

It was her home. The place she lived and thrived, together with her family. And no matter what, she'd fight to protect this new life of hers. If not for her own sake, then for the sake of the original Hakuno Zaizen.

She owed her that much.


TURN-08: GHOST GIRL


It was Sunday, therefore Hakuno didn't have to attend Den Academy today. Aoi had asked her if she wanted to hang out, but she had politely declined, saying that she was already booked for the day. She did promise to hang out once she finished up what she already had planned. In fact, it had been relatively easy placating her by saying how she wanted to hit a Duel Arcade. As this would help satisfy her duel cravings, the older girl readily agreed, though she did here her sister mutter under her breath how she would need to modify her deck somewhat, if only to make sure no one knew that she was Blue Angel.

Finding the defunct arcade that Emma Bessho had chosen was rather easy, as it was located near the Central Plaza. It was shabby, the walls faded and paint already beginning to peel away. The sign was crusty and dilapidated, looking almost ready to fall apart at a moment's notice. It was hard to imagine that this actually used to be a Duel Arcade, looking at the sight. Parked at the front of the arcade was Emma Bessho, clad in her skin-tight biker outfit.

"Yo, Zaizen-chan~" Emma greeted the girl as she approached, raising a hand. "Wasn't sure you weren't going to show."

"I debated for a while." she answered. "It isn't like I've got much to lose." Outside my Deck, anyway. she added in her mind. She looked back at the arcade and scrunched her eyebrows. "Um, no offense, but... Are you sure this is the right place?"

The older woman nodded with a grin. "It may look like it's seen better days, but quite a few people come here. Mostly people who hit this place when it was still running. I'm something of a fan myself." She then turned on her heel. "C'mon. I've already got a Field set up for us."

"Eh? This place still runs?"

"Nope~"

Hakuno tilted her head, a question mark dancing above her. If the place was inoperable, then how was it still running? Regardless, she followed the treasure hunter inside. Whereas the outside looked its age and then some, the interior fitted more along the lines of a place that had been abandoned. A few retro arcade games were covered by in plastic. The floor was cluttered with items that were obviously left behind, mostly trash left by people who came by to use the facility even after it was shut down. That being said, it was very spacious, as she expected given what it was primarily used for. There were several open spaces, marked in grooves that would have been lit in neon light.

The brunette could envision the arcade of how it used to be. Crowded, with many acting as mere spectators as two Duelists battled it out, vying for supremacy. It was beautiful and mesmerizing, the sort of sight you would see at a tournament. However, it was but a phantom image. A memory that no longer existed. Slowly, the lively scene dissipated and left behind its decaying husk. It was pitiable.

I wish I could have seen this place while it was still in working order...

Further in, she found Emma Bessho at the far middle. She was already on the field she mentioned, and to her surprise, the grooves were lit. Bright blue neon lights ran across the floor, forming into a field and showing off several markers for the Monster and Spell & Trap Zones, along with the boundary that separated both players' fields.

"I thought you said this place didn't run." Hakuno asked, confused.

Emma smiled. "The fields are generated on a separate system. Of course, the firewalls are a pain to break into. They've been beefing security since the last time I was here." Understandable, given all the trash. She also saw more than a few vandalized walls, marked by what she assumed was graffiti. Goodness, the language these people used! "So then, Zaizen-chan, do you remember the terms to our agreement?"

"Yes. If I win, you tell me about this other black avatar that's been sighted around LINK VRAINS. If you win..."

Emma smiled mischievously. "Then that beautiful treasure called the Moon Cell is up for grabs." she said before she raised her Duel Disk. With a few taps on her holographic keyboard, she created what looked like a coin. "Which side? Heads or tails?"

"Heads."

Emma flipped the coin. It spun in the air, remaining in place for only a second before it fell back into her hand. When it did, it broke apart and reformed into five words. Emma smirked. "Looks like you'll start off. You ready to go, Zaizen-chan?" Hakuno nodded, sucking in a breath. Inside her Duel Disk, Archer offered her a few words of encouragement, known only to her. She could feel his rough, yet gentle hands over hers, assuring her that she wouldn't have to worry. "Alright, then! On your mark..."

"Get set..." Hakuno breathed. Then, together, the two females yelled:

DUEL!

Hakuno K. Zaizen - 4000 LP
Emma Bessho - 4000 LP

"My Turn!" Hakuno started. "I activate the Continuous Spell, Moon Cell Activation! When I summon a Gemini Monster, I treat all Monsters I control as Effect Monsters! Furthermore, when I summon a Gemini Monster, this card gains 1 SERAPH Counter! For each SERAPH Counter placed on this card, my monsters gain 400 ATK! I summon Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector from my Hand to the Field!" In a burst of light, the circular ball of glowing circuits emerged.

[Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector / LIGHT / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 1200 / DEF 600]

"Thanks to Moon Cell Activation, it's treated as an Effect Monster! Therefore, I don't need to Normal Summon it again to unlock its Effects! I place one SERAPH Counter on Moon Cell Activation! Now, Link Connector's ATK is raised by 400!"

[Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector: ATK 1200 + 400 = 1600]

"Next, I activate Link Connector's Effect! I can perform a Link Summon, using Monsters in my Hand or on my Field as materials!" Hakuno revealed before she raised her arm into the air, which sparked with electricity. "Emerge! The moonlit circuit of possibility!" The spark shot into the air, summoning forth the circuit. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is two Monsters! I set Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector and the Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program from my Hand into the Link Markers! Circuit Combined!" Link Connector, alongside the silhouette of another monster, became bodies of light that slammed into the cursors, allowing the circuit to expand and release a new monster: a humanoid being, body completely white despite wearing a dress of some sort and shoulder-length hair. "Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Alchemical Homonculus!"

[Alchemical Homunculus / EARTH / LA: Left, Bottom / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / ATK 2000 / LINK - 2]

"Moon Cell Activation raises Homonculus' ATK!"

[Alchemical Homonculus: 2000 + 400 = 2400]

"Next, I equip Homunculus with Moon Cell - Key!" Hakuno continued. A large pristine aqua-blue key then appeared, which Homunculus grabbed and spun around before holding it close to its body. "When performing a Link Summon, any Moon Cell or Servant Monster equipped with this card is treated as an additional material. Furthermore, because Homunculus is a non-Effect Monster, Moon Cell - Key prevents it from being affected by my opponent's Card Effects! I set one card face-down and end my Turn!"

Emma whistled. "So this is the Moon Cell deck in action..." she remarked, lips curved into a grin. "Not bad, Zaizen-chan~ It's my Turn! Draw! I summon Altergeist Pixiel from my Hand to the field!" Similar to Hakuno's monsters, the Monster that emerged was machine in nature, albeit lacking bolts with a pointed end and wires attached to what looked like piledrivers. Behind its back, also attached to wires, were plates shaped like fairy wings.

[Altergeist Pixiel / WIND / Level 1 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 100 / DEF 100]

"I activate Pixiel's Effect! By tributing it, I excavate three cards from the top of my deck!" Emma stated. Hakuno tilted her head, not familiar with the term. "Excavating means I take three cards, though unless I send them elsewhere, they're still counted as being in my Deck. Just so we're clear, excavate doesn't mean I reveal the cards unless an effect tells me to do so. In this case, Pixiel's Effect has me simply taking cards from the top of my deck! Afterwards, I add 1 Excavated Altergeist Card to my Hand, and send the rest to my Graveyard!" As the machine disappeared into a black portal below it, Emma sent two cards into the Graveyard. Smiling mischievously, she continued. "I set three cards face-down on my Field and end my Turn!"

The brunette frowned heavily. "No Monsters?" she questioned, wary before glancing at her Duel Disk. "What do you think, Archer? A trap?"

[I wouldn't put it past her.] the Servant replied. [She seems to be a rather shrewd woman. Be on your guard, Master.]

Hakuno nodded strongly before shouting out. "My Turn! Draw! I activate Moon Cell - Calling! I can Special Summon a Monster from my Hand or Deck! I Special Summon Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program from my Deck in Defense Position!"

[Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program / LIGHT / Level 6 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 2400]

"Moon Cell Activation gains a second SERAPH Counter!" Hakuno reminded Emma about her Continuous Spell. "Additionally, Summoning Program is automatically treated as an Effect Monster!"

[Alchemical Homunculus: ATK 2400 + 400 = 2800]

[Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program: ATK 0 + 800 = 800]

"I then activate Summoning Program's Effect! I can Special Summon a Moon Cell Gemini Monster from my Hand, Deck or Graveyard! I Special Summon the Summoning Program in my Graveyard, adding another SERAPH Counter to Moon Cell Activation, as well as unlocking its Effects without Normal Summoning it!"

[Alchemical Homunculus: ATK 2800 + 400 = 3200]

[Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program: ATK 800 + 400 = 1200]

"Then I activate the second Summoning Program's Effect, Special Summoning the last Summoning Program in my Deck, therefore adding a third SERAPH Counter!" Emma whistled again, this time impressed by Hakuno's display of understanding and skill with her deck as she watched another cloaked program emerge on her side of the field, armed with a floating stave.

[Alchemical Homunculus: ATK 3200 + 400 = 3600]

[Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program 1200 + 400 = 1600]

"And I act the last Summoning Program's Effect! I Special Summon Automation Moon Cell - Equipment Program from my Deck to the Field!" The stave tapped the ground, allowing a blue portal to open up and allow the Monster to emerge out, this one slightly larger and armed with an array of weaponry.

[Automation Moon Cell – Equipment Program / EARTH / Level 5 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / ATK 0 / DEF 2000]

"Now I place a fifth SERAPH Counter on Moon Cell Activation!"

[Alchemical Homunculus: ATK 3600 + 400 = 4000]

[Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program: 1600 + 400 = 2000]

[Automation Moon Cell - Equipment Program: 0 + 2000 = 2000]

"Next, I activate Equipment Program's Effect, adding an Equip Spell from my Graveyard or Deck to my Hand!" Hakuno continued as her deck popped out a card for her to take.

At this moment, she eyed Emma, who should have been worried at this point. Instead, she had a playful smile on her face, as if everything had gone as she had expected it or unconcerned with the present state of affairs. She glanced at the cards set on her field, frowning. One of those cards obviously has to be a a Trap. she rationalized. If she was to act, it would be at this moment. Taking the moment to ponder on any counters Emma had in mind, she decided to act now.

"I attach the Equip Spell, Caliburn, to Alchemical Homunculus!" Hakuno called as the sword manifested beside the girl, floating and dancing around her as if moving about in the wind. "Caliburn's Effect allows me to add an Equip Spell from my Deck to my Hand! Then I equip Alchemical Homunculus with another Equip Spell, Hrunting!" Another sword appeared, dancing together with the golden blade. At this moment, Hakuno finally went on the attack. "Battle! I attack you directly with Alchemical Homunculus! Caliburn's Effect also increases Homunculus' ATK by 1000!"

[Alchemical Homunculus: ATK 4000 + 5000]

Emma smirked. "I activate the Trap, Altergeist Materialization!" she announced. "I can Special Summon an Altergeist Monster from my Graveyard to the Field in Attack Position! Then I equip Altergeist Materialization to it! I Special Summon Altergiest Pixiel and Equip it with Altergeist Materialization!" Emerging from the portal opening underneath the spot where the Trap had been set was the monster vaguely shaped like a pixie. "Because I activated a Trap, I can Special Summon Altergeist Multifaker!" On cue, another monster emerged, this one with the same body as Pixiel, except lacking the fairy aspect and had several more objects attached to its wires.

[Altergeist Multifaker / DARK / Level 3 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 1200 / DEF 800]

"Then Multifaker's Effect activates! If it was Special Summoned, I can Special Summon an Altergeist Monster from my Deck in Defense Position! I Special Summon Altergeist Silquitous!" This time, the monster that appeared was vaguely humanoid, albeit with an animal-styled motif. Its arms were lined with feathers and its feet were fashioned like those of a bird.

[Altergeist Silquitous / WIND / Level 2 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 800 / DEF 1500]

She summoned Three Monsters, all with one Trap Card...! Hakuno marveled, slightly breathless. For a moment, she thought she was dueling her older sister or maybe Go. Focusing her attention, however, she pushed forward. "When a Monster is equipped with Hrunting and it successfully destroys a Monster, it can declare an additional attack! Alchemical Homunculus, destroy Altergeist Pixiel!"

"I activate Silquitous' Effect!" Emma interrupted, causing her to recoil. "I can return an Altergeist card on my Field back to my Hand, and then send a card on your field back to your Hand! I return Pixiel to my Hand and send Moon Cell Activation back to yours!" The brunette winced as the card was promptly returned to her hand as Pixiel vanished into pixels. Immediately, all of her Monsters lost their increased strength, leaving them at a slight disadvantage.

[Alchemical Homunculus: ATK 5000 - 2000 = 3000]

"In that case, I attack Altergeist Silquitous!"

"I activate Altergeist Kunquery's Effect from my Hand!" Emma countered again, causing Hakuno to become very annoyed. Again? Really?! "When my opponent declares an attack, I can Special Summon it to the Field and negate that attack!" Just as Alchemical Homunculus brought down the combination of three weapons on the winged Monster, a new one appeared and deflected it, courtesy of a barrier. This one was themed after a centaur, but not losing its mechanical nature.

[Altergeist Kunquery / EARTH / Level 5 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 2400]

"When Kunquery is Special Summoned, I can target a card on your field and negate both it and Kunquery's Effects, so long as they're both on the Field!" the Treasure Hunter revealed as she winked at Hakuno, pointing at Equipment Program. "Consider your handyman on probation~" As Kunquery let out a mechanical neigh, strands of data encircled Equipment Program, keeping it grounded to the field.

Hakuno gritted her teeth, hand balling into a fist before she released a sigh. This wasn't good. She couldn't get so frustrated. This was only the start of the Duel. She was safe. For now, anyway. "I end my Turn here."

"My Turn, then! Draw! I Normal Summon Altergeist Pixiel and then activate its Effect!" Like before, three cards emerged from her Deck before she sent two of them into the Graveyard, along with Pixiel, who gave Hakuno a wave before it descended down a dark gate below it. "Then I activate Altergeist Materialization's Effect! By banishing it from the Graveyard, I can add a Trap Card from my Graveyard to my Hand! Next, I activate the Continuous Trap, Personal Spoofing!"

Hakuno blinked. "She's activating a Trap?" she questioned in confusion. "Shouldn't it be a Spell?"

[Remember, Master.] Archer chided gently. [She is not restricted to just using her traps during our turn. Even though Trap Cards must first be set before they are activated, one of their true strengths lies in their ability to be activated almost whenever the player needs them.]

"Once per turn, I can shuffle an Altergeist card on my Field or in my Hand into my Deck, then add 1 Altergeist Monster to my Hand! Then I activate the Effect of another Altergiest Multifaker from my Hand, Special Summoning it to the Field!" Hakuno promptly bit back a curse, watching as Emma's field filled with Monsters. "Then I activate it's Effect! I Special Summon Altergeist Meluseek!" Similar to Kunquery and Silquitos, the Altergeist monster that appeared was animal themed, obviously fashioned in the same manner as a mermaid.

[Altergeist Meluseek / WATER / Level 1 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 500 / DEF 300]

"Next, I activate Silquitos' Effect! I return Kunquery to my Hand and target your Homunculus!"

The brunette paused in confusion. "But that won't work." she told the woman. "Because Homunculus is a non-Effect Monster, Moon Cell - Key prevents it from being targeted by an Effect!"

Emma smirked. "Who said I was going to get rid of your Homunuclus?" Realization dawned on her just as Emma revealed her next move. "By returning Kunquery to my Hand, I can send your Moon Cell - Key back to yours!" The monster let out a neigh as it buckled, becoming an explosion of light that resulted in a blast of wind. The key in Alchemical Homunculus' grasp was thrown away, dispersing into light. "Now your Homunculus can't be protected." the woman remarked before she raised her hands into the air. "Now, open before me! The circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe!"

[Be on your guard, Master.] Archer cautioned her. [It's coming.] Hakuno nodded warily, eyeing the circuit that appeared above Emma. Like with Go, she could feel a powerful presence inside it. Waiting to be released.

"Arrowheads confirmed. The summoning condition is two Altergeist Monsters! I set Altergeist Silquitos and Meluseek into the Link Markers!" The two animal-themed Monsters gave Hakuno a mischievous grin before they launched themselves up towards the circuit, becoming spears of light that promptly lit up the cursors upon impact. "Circuit Combined!"

The circuit was released, allowing a new Monster to appear. Like its materials, it had an animal-like appearance...but far more ferocious. An intense heat overwhelmed her, superficial compared to the sheer presence it would have had were this taking place in LINK VRAINS. The upper half of its body was no different from the typical Altergeist monsters: a mechanical body with horns and a digital grin plastered across its otherwise blank face. Its lower body, however, was enormous and circled around Emma like a guardian. It resembled a salamander of sorts, only having six legs rather than four with a large tail whipping around. Flowing out from gaps in its body were pockets of flame, lapping around as if they were alive.

"Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Altergeist Hexstia!"

[Altergeist Hexstia / FIRE / LA: Bottom, Right / Spellcaster / Link / Effect / ATK 1500 / LINK - 2]

Upon its arrival, Hexstia released a whirring sound, mixed with laugher and a ferocious roar. It was almost grating on the ears, if Hakuno was being honest. "Since they left the field for the Graveyard, Siquitos and Meluseek's Effects activate!" Emma said as two cards popped out from her deck. "Silquitos allows me to add a Trap Card from my Graveyard to my Hand, and as for Meluseek, a Monster from my Deck! Next, I activate Personal Spoofing! I'll send Multifaker back to my Deck and shuffle it before adding a new Altergeist Monster card to my Hand! And now I activate my last face-down! Altergeist Materialization!"

She has three copies of the same card? Then, that means she can't use it anymore...

One of the rules Aoi had told her when she first got started was that a deck could have multiple copies of the same card, such as a Spell or Trap. Monsters as well, though you could only have up to three copies. As Emma had shown off three copies of that Trap, she no longer had any in her Deck or Hand. Of course, that didn't mean she couldn't use what copies she already had. Even if they had been exhausted, they were still in the Graveyard. And any Effect could add them back to her hand, such as Silquitos' earlier Effect. Hakuno wouldn't be surprised if she had added an Altergeist Materialization back to her Hand.

"I Special Summon Altergeist Meluseek from my Graveyard, thanks to Altergeist Materialization!" On cue, the mermaid-like machine reappeared, shooting out from the portal it emerged from. "By tributing a Trap Card on my Field, I can Special Summon Altergeist Djinni from my Hand! I tribute Personal Spoofing!"

The monster that appeared was similar to Pixiel, though it looked as if it were mimicking a genie, emerging from what looked like a pot with a voluptuous synthetic body, clothed in a bikini top and veil while flames spurted out from between its joints.

[Altergeist Djinni / FIRE / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 200 / DEF 1600]

"Open once again! The circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe!" Once again, the circuit emerged. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is two Altergeist Monsters! I set my remaining Altergeist Multifaker and Djinni into the Link Arrows! Circuit Combined!" The two monsters became wreathed in light, lighting up the cursors and allowing a much larger monster to take to the field. Unlike Hexstia, which encircled Emma like a protective creature, this one stood tall and proud, armed with sharp axes that promised punishment with an equally fearsome body. Hakuno likened it to that of a minotaur, though instead of a head, another body was situated on top, bearing four arms, two of which resting atop the shoulders leisurely. "Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Altergeist Kidurga!"

[Altergeist Kidurga / DARK / LA: Left, Bottom / Spellcaster / Link / Effect / ATK 1000 / LINK - 2]

Emma smiled as she waved a hand, leaving behind a trail of flames that flowed into her monsters, increasing their power. "When Djinni leaves the Field, all Altergeist Monsters on my Field gain 500 ATK points!" she revealed to Hakuno, making her nervous as the powerful aura of her Monsters increased tenfold. "Flame Resurrection!"

[Altergeist Hexstia: ATK 1500 + 500 = 2000]

[Altergeist Kidurga: ATK 1000 + 500 = 1500]

[Altergeist Meluseek: ATK 500 + 500 = 1000]

"As Hexstia is linked to another Altergeist Monster, it gains ATK points equal to its original value! Hexstia is linked to Kidurga, increasing its ATK by 1000!" If Hakuno was not sweating earlier, she was now. She could feel the intense heat radiating from the salamander monster, even though they were not inside LINK VRAINS.

[Altergeist Hexstia: ATK 2000 + 1000 = 3000]

Emma gave Hakuno a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry, Zaizen-chan~ But I'm playing to win here!" Then, her eyes turned sharp and swung her arm, finally beginning the attack. "Battle! Meluseek's Effect allows it to attack you directly!" Meluseek gave a lopsided grin as it twisted about before shooting straight at Hakuno, becoming a streak of water, slipping straight past her Monsters and cutting across her side. However, she felt no pain. Only mild irritation.

Hakuno - 4000 - 1000 = 3000

"Then I activate Meluseek's Effect! When it inflicts battle damage, I can send a card on your field to the Graveyard! I'll send Alchemical Homunculus to the Grave!" The brunette could only watch as the pure white monster vanished from her field, courtesy of being dragged down into a whirlpool of data before Emma continued forward.

Thankfully, she had a counter just in case. "I activate the Trap, Moon Cell Resurrection!" she called out. "I can Special Summon a Moon Cell-Type Monster from my Graveyard!"

"Don't think so!" Emma retaliated. "I activate Altergeist Hexstia's Effect! By tributing a monster next to its Link Arrow, I can tribute it and destroy a Spell or Trap that was activated! I'll tribute Altergeist Kidurga to destroy Moon Cell Resurrection!" Hakuno promptly cursed beneath her breath watching as her card be burned away together with Kidurga. "If an Altergeist Monster is sent to the Graveyard during the Battle Phase, I can Special Summon Altergeist Ifreet from my Hand!" In a spiral of flames came a new Altergeist. This one was also wreathed by flames, wielding a staff while the lower half of its body was similar to that of a snake with a metal skirt. On either side of its head were curved horns.

[Altergeist Ifreet / FIRE / Level 6 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 1500 / DEF 0]

"Since Kidurga is no longer next to Hexstia's Link Arrow, it loses 1000 ATK." Emma stated. "However, I have Ifreet in its place! Additionally, I activate its Effect! All Altergeist Monsters on my Field gain 500 ATK, and can deal piercing damage!" With a twirl of its staff, Ifreet created a flicker of flames that encircled the Altergeists present, further increasing their strength.

[Altergeist Hexstia: ATK 3000 - 1000 + 1600 + 500 = 4100]

[Altergeist Ifreet: ATK 1600 + 500 = 2100]

[Altergeist Meluseek: ATK 1500 + 500 = 2000]

Hakuno paled. "4100 ATK...?!"

"Let's resume the battle! I attack Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program with Altergeist Hexstia! Blaze Breathe Havoc!" The salamander creature let out a whirled howl before it brought its hands together, summoning a giant ball of flame that it promptly sent Hakuno's way. She could do nothing but watch as her Monster was incinerated in the resulting collision, creating a pillow of smoke that soon dispersed.

Hakuno - 3000 - 2100 = 900

"And next is your Equipment Program with Ifreet! Spiral Burst Flare!" Aiming its staff, the Altergeist monster sent a spinning stream of flames. Hakuno gritted her teeth as she watched another monster of hers be incinerated, much to her dismay.

She had started off strong, but now Emma had utterly floored her. This was nothing like her Duel with Go. This far more fierce and more nerve-wracking. Not to mention frustrating. Was this the difference between her and a pro duelist? She knew she had much to learn, but this? This was...

Hakuno - 900 - 100 = 800

"I'll end my Turn by setting two face-downs~" Emma finished her vicious onslaught, setting the cards down unto the field while leaving Hakuno slightly breathless. "At this moment, Altergeist Djinni's Effect resolves and returns Hexstia and Meluseek's Effects to normal."

[Altergeist Meluseek: ATK 1500 - 500 = 1000]

[Altergeist Hexstia: ATK 4100 - 500 = 3600]

"I hope you aren't out of wind yet, Zaizen-chan!"

She scowled, feeling slightly insulted. "You wish!" she said fiercely before she drew a card. "Draw!"

[Calm down, Master.] Archer advised her. [You can't get so worked up.]

I know that, but... Hakuno bit her lip. This is just so...frustrating!

There was much riding on this. At this point, she couldn't care less about information about a possible threat. All she could think about was protecting her deck. The cards she had become attached to. And more importantly, Archer. Emma's constant reversals and counters had been testing her patience, and now she was about to snap. The only thing keeping her in check was Archer. Taking a moment to calm herself down, as per his request, she resumed. "I activate Moon Cell Activation's Effect!"

"Sorry, Zaizen-chan, but that card of yours has to go." Emma interrupted, causing her to scowl. "I tribute Altergeist Ifreet to activate Hexstia's Effect, negating your Moon Cell Activation's Effect and destroying it!" Hakuno clicked her tongue as she watched the salamander reduce her card to smithereens. "Since Ifreet is gone, my Monster's ATK is reduced and returned to their original value."

[Altergeist Meluseek: ATK 1000 - 500 = 500]

[Altergeist Hexstia: ATK 3600 - 1600 - 500 = 1500]

"When Ifreet leaves the field for the Graveyard, I can Special Summon an Altergeist Monster from my Graveyard! Return to me, Altergeist Kidurga!" In a spiral of flames, the multi-armed behemoth returned, preparing its blades for battle.

Hakuno was not deterred in the least. "I activate my two Summoning Program's Effects, Special Summoning my third Summoning Program and Automation Moon Cell - Assault Program to the Field!" Together with the cloaked machine was a much larger automaton, armed with a giant blade.

[Automation Moon Cell - Assault Program / LIGHT / Level 5 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 2000 / DEF 1500]

"Then I Normal Summon my third Summoning Program as an Effect Monster and use its Effect, Special Summoning Alchemical Homunculus back from my Graveyard!" The white humanoid returned, bouncing up into place with a twirl. "Then I equip her with Moon Cell - Key!"

Emma quirked an eyebrow. "The same combo again?" she inquired. "You do realize all I have to do is get a monster next to Hexstia's Link Arrow, right?"

"Who said she was sticking around?" Hakuno shot back, making the woman confused before she revealed her next trick. "When Moon Cell - Key is equipped to a Monster, it's treated as an additional material!" Emma then realized what Hakuno was planning. Rather than panic, she looked quite eager and watched as she summoning the circuit once again. "Emerge, my moonlit circuit!" she began. "Arrowheads confirmed! The Summoning Condition is two non-Effect or Moon Cell Gemini Monsters! I set Alchemical Homunculus and my Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program into the Link Arrows!" The white girl waved at Emma before she and Summoning Program became objects of light, slamming into the cursors and lighting up the circuit, giving rise to a new power. "Circuit Combined!"

And out from it was a red-clad figure, armed with twin blades; one black and one white. Unlike the rest of her monsters, this one was very much human, bearing tanned skin and silver-white hair, slicked back and steely blue eyes.

"Appear! Link Summon! Link 4! Servant Archer - Nameless!"

[Servant Archer - Nameless / EARTH / LA: Left, Right, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right / Servant / Effect / ATK 2200 / LINK - 4]

"Finally..." Archer breathed as he rolled his shoulders. "It was getting stuffy in there." Hakuno giggled a bit, holding a hand to her mouth. She could only imagine how cramped it must be inside her Duel Disk. At least now he had a chance for fresh air. Not to mention a chance for her to get rid of those pesky cards.

Sadly, Emma had no plans to allow that, despite the dazzled look on her face. "Servant?" she inquired. "I wasn't expecting a card like that." Then her dazzled expression changed radically, revealing a shark-like grin. "Unfortunately, I'm going to stop you right there! I activate my face-downs! The Continuous Trap, Altergeist Protocol and Altergeist Emulelf! Protocol prevents any Effects of my Altergeist Monsters from being negated! If you activate an Effect, I can send an Altergeist Monster on my field to the Graveyard and negate that card's Effect, and then destroy it! Emulelf lets me Special Summon it as a LIGHT Attribute Spellcaster Monster!"

On cue, the trap became engulfed in golden sparks, transforming into a mechanical feminine Monster with a golden body and a green face bearing a grin.

[Altergeist Emulelf / LIGHT / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 1400 / DEF 1800]

"If Summoned this way while in a Main Monster Zone, Emulelf can prevent any Traps on my Field from being destroyed by card Effects! Unfortunately, this means neither of us can target them with other card Effects."

Hakuno's eyes widened, clearly taken aback. Archer, meanwhile, gauged Emma now that he stood before her in person before nodding slowly. "She's good." he praised. "Acting accordingly and with an equal defense to offense. She'd give a few Masters a good run for their money." She had no choice but to agree. She took another breath, lest she act irrationally again. "Battle! I attack Altergeist Meluseek with Assault Program! Great Sword Crash!"

She half-expected the attack to be repelled by Kunquery, given the card's rather annoying effect. Emma, however, had another surprise in store for her. "I activate Altergeist Camouflage's Effect from the Graveyard!" she announced as Assault Program charged forward, dragging his sword along in preparation for the attack. "If an Altergeist card I control would be destroyed in battle or by a Card Effect, I can banish Camouflage and negate its destruction!" A barrier of static overlapped Meluseek just in time as the machine swung, blade grinding against the layer of film before it was repelled and knocked back over to its comrades.

Emma - 4000 - 1500 = 2500 LP

"She didn't use Kunquery...?" she questioned with a frown. Looking back at the field, she closed her eyes and sighed. If she attacked with Archer, she would definitely use Kunquery's Effect to block and counter her. Archer's Effect was useless as well in this situation. With no other choice, she relented. "I set one card face-down and end my Turn."

Emma pouted slightly. "Aw, you're not going to use that handsome hunk you got on the field?" she asked, causing Archer to raise an eyebrow. Not that she could see, at least. Unlike Playmaker, she had no awareness to sense or perceive the actions or emotions of a Duel Monster Spirit. Hakuno was certainly surprised to hear her opponent compliment Archer's looks. Not that she blamed her, of course. He was handsome. "Either way... My Turn! Draw! I Normal Summon Altergeist Marionetter from my Hand to the Field!"

Similar to a few of her monsters, this Altergeist had an animal-like motif, though in this case the machine aspect was much more prominent. The lower half was like that of a disk with large appendages set at certain intervals, all linked to the main body, which was humanesque with thin arms equipped with circlets around the wrist, wires flowing around it while a grin was marked into its face.

[Altergeist Marionetter / EARTH / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 1600 / DEF 1700]

"When Marionetter is summoned this way, I can set an Altergeist Trap from my Deck to the Field. Then I activate Marionette's Effect! By sending an Altergeist Monster on my Field to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon an Altergeist Monster from my Graveyard! I send Meluseek to the Graveyard and Special Summon Altergeist Ifreet back to the Field!"

Hakuno's eyes widened, watching as the flame-wreathed monster re-appeared. Worse, it was directly next to Hexstia's Link Arrow. "So this is why she preserved her Meluseek." Archer remarked calmly. "She was going to use Marionetter's Effect to Special Summon Ifreet next to Hexstia."

"Worse..." Hakuno grimaced. "Both Monsters' Effect increase their ATK."

[Altergeist Hextia: ATK 1500 + 500 + 1600 = 3600]

[Altergeist Ifreet: ATK 1600 + 500 = 2100]

[Altergeist Marionetter: ATK 1600 + 500 = 2100]

[Altergeist Emulelf: ATK 1400 + 500 = 1900]

[Altergeist Kidurga: ATK 1000 + 500 = 1500]

"Again! The circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe!" The brunette watched the circuit appear with trepidition. What is she going to summon now? "The summoning condition is two Altergeist Monsters! I set Altergeist Ifreet and Kidurga into the Link Arrows!" The circuit broke as the monsters entered the cursors, releasing a new monster. "Circuit Combined!"

Emerging from the resulting explosion was an Altergeist. It had a humanoid upper body, albeit shrouded in dark and lit only by neon purple circuits upon its body. It was very voluptuous, if its shape was of any indication. It held a mask over its face, bearing a digital grin while black hair spilled out from it, pouring down its back. On either side of its head were twisted ram-horns, curving to form into a heart. Similar to Kidurga, it had an additional pair of arms, each with a circlet around its wrists with red fingernails that curved like talons. The lower half of its body was serpentine in nature, with a heart-shaped tip at the end. The scales were jagged and sharp, almost like razor sharp blades.

Archer, for his part, was vaguely reminded of a foe he faced in the past at the sight of the creature, though it obviously lacked a blindfold and chains.

"Appear! Link Summon! Link 3! Altergeist Binary Lilith!"

[Altergeist Binary Lilith / DARK / LA: Left, Bottom-Left, Bottom / Spellcaster / Link / Effect / ATK 2100 / LINK – 3]

"Since Ifreet has left the Field, my monsters' ATK returns to normal, though I use its Effect to return Altergeist Kidurga back to my Field!" Emma anounced as a column of flame had the aforementioned monster make a return, standing proudly beside its master. "Also, as Binary Lilith is next to Hexstia's Link, it naturally gains ATK equal to its own!"

[Altergeist Hextia: 3600 - 500 - 1600 + 2000 = 3500]

[Altergeist Marionetter: ATK 2100 - 500 = 1600]

[Altergeist Emulelf: ATK 1900 - 500 = 1400]

"One more time! The circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe! I set Altergeist Marionetter and Emulelf into the Link Arrows! Circuit Combined!" Much to Hakuno's horror and Archer's grimace, another giant salamander appeared, joining its ally and encircled Emma like a guardian, spewing out hot fires as if daring any to approach. "Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Altergeist Hexstia! My second Hexstia's Link Arrow points to Binary Lilith, therefore it gains the same ATK as the first!"

Hakuno panicked. This is bad... Now she's got three strong Monsters. And this feeling... What is this? She looked at Binary Lilith warily, gauging it. I can feel something from that monster, but what? No, I shouldn't be thinking like that! I need to beat her, and quick! Otherwise...!

"Battle! I attack Servant Archer - Nameless with Altergeist Hexstia!" Emma declared.

At this moment, Hakuno managed to counter her successfully, revealing the card she had set face-down earlier. "I activate the Trap, Mana Link Surge!" she called out. "A Servant Monster I control gains 500 ATK for every Link Marker it has! Archer has four Link Markers, therefore he gains 2000 ATK!" A dark purple aura rushed through Archer just in time as Hexstia released a fireball straight at him.

[Servant Archer - Nameless: ATK 2200 + 2000 = 4200]

Spinning around to gain momentum, Archer sent Kanshou and Byakuya flying. The force behind the throw created a razor sharp ring of wind around the two blades, easily slicing through the fireball and dispelling it before they found their mark, slashing Altergeist Hexstia into four different pieces. Afterwards, it promptly exploded into a plume of smoke and golden fragments. Emma covered her face, the force creating a small blow of wind, but was otherwise unharmed.

Emma - 2500 - 1100 = 1300 LP

"Mana Link Surge also lets me gain LP equal to the difference in ATK value following the activation of its Effect." Hakuno stated as she breathed a heavy sigh of relief, feeling the tension leave her a bit. At the very least, she managed to remove one of her pesky monsters. She wasn't out of the woods yet, however. She still couldn't decipher this bizarre feeling of forebode around her Binary Lilith. Something about it screamed danger, but she couldn't put her finger on it!

Hakuno - 800 + 2000 = 2800

Emma smiled widely. "Not bad, Zaizen-chan." she praised. "But I'm not done yet. I attack your Assault Program with my other Hexstia!" Unlike last time, Hakuno could do nothing to protect her monster. Instead, she watched it be incinerated in a giant fire. For a moment, she could swear she smelled burning metal, making her cringe.

Hakuno - 2800 - 1100 = 1700

At least, with this, I'm safe... Hakuno thought with some joy. Her Binary Lilith can't attack Archer.

"I activate Binary Lilith's Effect!" Emma called, taking the brunette out of her brief reprive, soon realizing what that monster put her off so much. "Once per turn, I can send an Altergeist Monster on my Field to the Graveyard and Special Summon another Altergeist from my Graveyard, next to Binary Lilith's Link Arrow! I send Altergeist Hexstia to the Graveyard and Special Summon Altergeist Ifreet!" Hexstia vanished into a blaze of glory, replaced by its lesser cousin who danced about, creating a trail of flames that began to flow into Binary Lilith. "By doing this, Binary Lilith gains ATK equal to the ATK of that Monster! And don't forget about Ifreet's Effect, which raises the ATK of all Altergeist Monsters by 500!"

[Altergeist Binary Lilith: ATK 2100 + 1600 + 500 = 4200]

[Altergeist Kidurga: ATK 1000 + 500 = 1500]

[Altergeist Ifreet: ATK 1600 + 500 = 2100]

[Altergeist Hexstia: ATK 3500 + 500 = 4000]

"4200 ATK..." Hakuno whispered, a bead of sweat dripping from her forehead. "But, its ATK is the same as Archer's."

"Now, Binary Lilith! Attack Nameless!"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You're going for a mutual destruction?!" she cried as Archer narrowed his eyes, leaping into battle and calling on new copies of his twin blades, clashing with Binary Lilith, who swung her claws at him. The result was to be expected: an explosion occurred as both attacks connected. When it cleared, there was no victor. Both had been destroyed. Hakuno looked at her field, now nervous and praying to whatever god there was - benevolent ones anyway - that somehow she managed to emerge out of this unscathed. She couldn't afford to lose this! Not when Archer was on the line here!

"I'm not done yet, Zaizen-chan~ Binary Lilith's Effect additional Effect activates! Once per turn, when its sent to the Graveyard from the Field, I can Special Summon it next to the Link Arrow an Altergeist Link Monster I have points to! I Special Summon Altergeist Binary Lilith next to Kidurga's Link Arrow!" From the dark portal, Lilith returned in grand fashion, slipping out like an eel emerging from hiding. "Next, I activate the Continuous Trap, Altergeist Shift from my Graveyard!"

"Altergeist Shift? But you never..." She stopped when she thought back to when the Duel began, eyes widening in response. Of course! Altergeist Pixiel's Effect!

"By banishing this card while its in the Graveyard, I can target up to two Altergeist Monsters on my Field and move them to Monster Zones next to them! I target Altergeist Kidurga and Lilith" Somehow, this information sent goosebumps up Hakuno's spine, as she was soon to find out. "And now, Lilith! Attack Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program!" Bracing herself, Hakuno watched as the giant ax-wielding Altergeist charged, leaving behind cracks in the ground as it swung its blades upon the helpless spellcaster, reducing it to mere scrap. "And in case you forgot, aside from increasing their ATK, Altergeist Ifreet also allows them to deal piercing damage."

Hakuno - 1700 - 400 - 1300

"Then I activate Kidurga's Effect! When an Altergeist Monster deals damage to my opponent, I can Special Summon a Monster from your Graveyard next to its Link Arrow!"

From my Graveyard? Hakuno thought. Dread encroached upon her, and soon her worst fears came to life when Kidurga tore a hole into the ground, allowing for a familiar face to emerge, one strained even as dark coding crawled up his body. Oh no... Archer!

"S-sorry, Master...!" Archer apologized through gritted teeth, trying to struggle against Kidurga's control. "Looks like...s-she's truly a craft one!"

"Now, let's take care of your Summoning Program with Archer's Effect, shall we?" Emma said as she waved a finger around before aiming it at her. "I'll tribute Lilith to activate it!" Binary Lilith promptly dispersed, fragments becoming an arrow for Archer to grasp as a bow manifested in hand before he took aim, albeit struggling to resist before he fired off the arrow that promptly destroyed the last of Hakuno's defense. "And now, for the finishing touch!"

N-no...

Even as Kidurga prepared its blades, readying its blades as they charged with energy. Her body froze. She couldn't think anymore. Her mind suddenly went blank. She barely registered hearing Emma declare the final blow, staring blankly forward. At that moment, Kidurga charged, raising its axes and then bringing them straight down on her.

And then-


Inside LINK VRAINS, the black-shrouded figure raised his head. Scanning the horizon, red eyes focused on a singular point. Though she was not here in this virtual space, he could sense her presence in the real world. For a moment, he felt his existence flicker, as if resonating with someone.

[I felt it...] a voice called out from his wrist. He looked down, finding a red light flickering. [Just for a moment. I wonder what she must be like!]

"W-w-W-We'lL sEE..." he responded with a certain fondness before he let out a growl, clutching his chest. For a moment, the dark shroud on his body dispersed, revealing a brown school uniform underneath. "Tch...! I'M...A-a-AlmoSt ouT of tIMe. Just..."he wheezed, staring at the place where Hakuno Kishinami was. "J-just a LitTLe moRE...!"


When Hakuno woke up, she was lying on the ground. Huh...? Slowly, her mind came back into focus. Her surrounded sharpened, revealing it to be the interior of the duel arcade she was in. What was I...? Oh, right. I was...

[Awake at last, eh Master?] a familiar baritone voice called out with no small amount of amusement. When the voice registered in her head, Hakuno found herself sitting up straight, head quickly looking at her Duel Disk, seemingly untampered with. [Have a nice dream?]

"A-Archer?"

"Good, you're awake." Hakuno looked up to find Emma standing over her, holding a bottle of water in hand. "I was getting worried there for a second. You blacked out right after I had Kidurga hit you silly. Here." Bending down, she offered the poor girl the bottle, which she accepted gratefully. As she unscrewed the cap, Emma giggled and took a seat next to her. "Sorry for going so hard on you. I kind of make it a rule not to hold back."

Could've fooled me... Hakuno thought dryly as she drank. She soon paused when she realized something. Something that made her heart sink. Oh, right... I lost. That means...

"By the way, I've already returned your Deck to you. Just in case you're wondering."

"...huh?"

[I can confirm that, Master.] Archer chimed. [All cards are present and accounted for.]

Hakuno stared at her Duel Disk. Then at Emma, who grinned. "When I said I wanted your Deck, I meant the data behind it." she said. If the way she laughed at the way Hakuno's expression morphed was of any indication, it was clear that she was hopelessly confused, thus she explained it to her.

Simply having a Deck didn't mean you knew everything there was to know about it. A duelist always improves upon their design. And said designs always pertained to the many ways decks could be applied. These formulas were a valuable treasure to any self-respecting duelist, who wanted to know how to counter a deck or improve on their own deck that followed the same principle. In a way, it was information gathering: either to adapt to a new strategy or to adapt to a newfound strength. Emma wasn't interested in taking her deck. She simply wanted the data regarding the Moon Cell deck itself and the various formulas hidden within the cards, the ways the deck could be improved or countered. It took maybe about maybe ten or twenty minutes before Hakuno understood the basic idea.

What she did understand, however, was that Emma Bessho was just being a bully. She puffed her cheeks and gave her a glare. "You really are a terrible person." she said bluntly.

In response to her words, Emma gave her a grin. "That all depends on who you're asking!"

[Yare yare...] Archer sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. [What a troublesome woman... Something tells me she and Rin would have gotten along swimmingly.]


The sun had already started to set when Hakuno had returned home to find Aoi by herself, working on a project of some sort. She was sitting up at the dining room table with a laptop in front of her, fingers typing away furiously while said laptop was hooked up to her Duel Disk. "I'm home." Hakuno announced as she left her shoes by the door, stretching her arms before the exhaustion behind today's events caught up with her, eliciting a yawn. "So tired..."

"Welcome back, Haku-nee." Aoi smiled at her younger sister. "You're home awfully late. Did something happen?"

"Just met up with a troublesome co-worker of Akira-nii-san's is all..." she replied as she went straight for the couch, plopping down on it like a sack of potatoes. She wasn't in any mood to move around anymore, much less have the strength to make it back to her room. Emma had decided to make up for scaring the daylights of her by taking her out to lunch, which was an affair all on its own. She never felt this tired, not even after having defeated a powerful opponent from the Grail War. Was this how her older brother felt when he dealt with her? If so, she could only pity him. "Speaking of nii-san, where is he?"

The famed idol sighed. "At work, as usual." she answered. "He said something big came up at work, so he's pulling an all-nighter. I'm thinking of bringing him a spare change of clothes later. Did you want to come with me?"

"Just let me rest for a bit, please?" Hakuno begged. She decided to take her mind off things by turning on the television.

What it had to report was something she was not expecting.

"At approximately 5:38 PM, Pacific Time, the mysterious "Black Avatar" hacker that has been terrorizing LINK VRAINS for the past few weeks was apprehended by the joint efforts of SOL Technologies and the Den City Police Department. The suspect's IRL identity has yet to be disclosed to the general public as of yet, but currently, authorities are attempting to obtain the identity of what they believe to be a cyber terrorist. The "Black Avatar" was responsible for the hospitalization of several duelists within the past few weeks. According to official reports, this individual was capable of bypassing the damage filters inside LINK VRAINS, allowing duelists to suffer serious injuries. At this time, neither SOL Technologies or the DCPD has delivered an official statement, but reports claim that..."

As the report droned on, Aoi had stopped typing altogether and stared at the news report in shock, as did Hakuno, who looked on in disbelief.

"Julius...was caught?!"


COMING UP!

Hakuno and Aoi receive startling news! Julius has been captured by SOL Technologies! Akira takes a personal visit in order to interrogate him and obtain information and why he is after his sister! Unknown to him, however, as the two sisters finally return to LINK VRAINS, Hakuno faces an unexpected adversary!

? ? ?: TURN-09: DEAD FACE! So, the moment has finally arrived... Umu! Come, Praetor! I will show you a true battle, one worthy of an Emperor!


Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector / LIGHT / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 1200 / DEF 600 / This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the GY. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to become an Effect monster with this effect.
Once per turn: You can perform a Link Summon, using Moon Cell-Type Monsters on your side of the field or your hand.

Alchemical Homunculus / EARTH / LA: Left, Bottom / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / ATK 2000 / LINK - 2 / 2 monsters

Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program / LIGHT / Level 6 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 2400 / This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the GY. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to become an Effect monster with this effect.
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Moon Cell-Type Normal Monster from your hand, deck, or GY.

Automation Moon Cell – Equipment Program / EARTH / Level 5 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / ATK 0 / DEF 2000 / This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the GY. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to become an Effect monster with this effect.
Once per turn: You can add 1 Equip Spell Card from your deck, or GY to your hand.

Moon Cell - Key / Spell / Equip / Equip to one Moon Cell or Servant-Type Monster: The equipped monster can be treated as 1 additional Link Material for the Link Summon of a monster, and, if it is a non-effect monster, is unaffected by your opponent's card effects.

Moon Cell Activation / Spell / Continuous / When this card is activated, and each time you summon a Moon Cell-Type Gemini Monsters: You can activate this effect; Treat all Moon-Cell Type monsters you control as effect monsters and have them gain their effects. Each time you Summon a Moon Cell-Type Gemini Monster(s): Place 1 SERAPH Counter on this card. Moon Cell-Type Monsters you control gain 400 ATK for each SERAPH Counter on this card. During either player's turn: You can tribute this card; Gain 500 LP for each SERAPH Counter on this card, and if you do, you can Special Summon 1 Moon Cell-Type Monster from your hand or GY whose ATK is equal to or less than the LP you gained with this effect.

Caliburn / Spell / Equip / Can only be equipped to a Servant or Moon Cell-Type monster. When this card is activated: You can add 1 Equip Spell Card from your deck to your hand. Increase the ATK of the equipped monster by 1000. Once per turn, during either player's turn: You can tribute this card to target 1 monster on the field; Until the end of this turn, that monster cannot be destroyed.

Hrunting / Spell / Equip / Equip to 1 Moon Cell or Servant-Type Monster. When a Monster you control Equipped with this card successfully destroys an Opponent's Monster, that Card can declare an additional attack. If the equipped monster battles a Monster in Defense Position, it deals piercing damage. If the equipped monster would be destroyed by battle: You can destroy this card instead, and if you do, negate any damage you would have taken.

Mana Link Surge / Trap / Counter / Target 1 Servant-Type Link Monster you control: That target gains 500 ATK for each of its Link Markers, and if it does, gain LP equal to the amount of ATK it gained.

Altergeist Shift / Trap / Continuous / Once per turn, if your opponent targets an "Altergeist" monster you control with a card effect or an attack: You can target 1 other "Altergeist" monster you control; Change the target of that effect or attack to that monster. You can banish this card in your GY to target up to 2 "Altergeist" monster you control; Move those targets to a Main Monster Zones on your field adjacent to those target's current positions. .


AUTHOR'S NOTES: Special thanks go to Donjusticia, who helped create the duel and the cards shown, as well as beta-ing. Cover Art also does not belong to me. You can thank Student for that.

Apologies for this chapter being so late. I am currently working on two chapters for this story. However, I do believe a double update fixes that, no?


REVIEWS

sakura365: Does the preview for next chapter answer your question?

Boyzilla: Yeah, my mistake. Sorry. I'll go back and edit it. And enjoy the double update! The Emperor demands it! UMU!

Guest (Student): Not too much, mind you. Otherwise, this story is going to get very cluttered. And to answer your question, Hakuno sure as hell won't be dueling alone. Hell, just wait until you see what I have in mind for the duels for the climax of this story arc! I can't give away any spoilers, but let's just say that Hakuno is going to show off just WHY the Moon Cell chose her to wear the Regalia! And why she's a certain someone's favorite "mongrel."

Axel Fones: Indeed.

Deep Sea Diver Man: Hm, can't say. Although, I will say this. I'm fully aware of how "out there" Nasu can be, but...really? A sex cult? Not the worst I've ever heard, but seriously? Doesn't make her any less dangerous. And actually, Kiara is mentioned in CCC. She wasn't mentioned in Fate/Extra, and not in Extella or Last Encore either, to the best of my knowledge. In fact, the events of CCC wouldn't have happened without Kiara's interference. And she was featured in the F/GO collab. As for BB's reasons why she's working with Kiara, that will be explained later on in the story. Please be patient!

ThePLOThand: If I'm being honest, I'm not exactly a fan of some of the dub name changes. Go Onizuka is just fine, but Gore is...somewhat acceptable. Kolter just makes me wanna do a head tilt. And yeah, Rin's not going to be paired up with anyone. Namely because her heart is reserved for a certain red-haired Hero of Justice, no matter what universe she is in...even if she's technically a descendant of the original Rin Tohsaka. And nice choice of music as always.

Revamped Persona: I wouldn't say "corrupted." You would have to read a basic story outline behind the events of Fate/Extra CCC without delving too deeply into spoiler territory.

Donjusticia: They aren't reborn. They've just "slid" into the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. Hakuno is, technically, the only one who was reborn. And as for Twice? Mwahahaha! Sorry, my friend, but even for you, that part is under wraps!

No Fanfic No Life: No kidding. After all the sh*t Hakuno went through, she deserves it. Sadly, Fate must test her worth first it seems. And we haven't even reached Playmaker's story yet!

VoidLing: I've been debating introducing other summoning methods. VRAINS has always been showing off Fusion, though that's a given, since almost every series involves at least one instance of Fusion. Ritual is the same, but albeit lesser known.

Aira Aura: Just wait, my friend. He might be closer than you think...

vetyking14: I've answered this question before. I won't answer it again.