Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS Overdrive!

by SakushiRyu

(S2) Ketsueki Kioku is the seventh victim of the Hanoi Project. After he and his new friends defeated the Knights of Hanoi, life finally seemed to be going well for our heroes. However, new enemies appear! Follow our heroes' journey in defeating evil, all while Kioku discovers the truth about his past. (Some OOCness, sorry) (Cover Art made by me)

37. (S2) One's Objective (Part 1)

Welcome back to some VRAINS! Thanks for all your reviews for the last chapters! Now, let's answer them.

- In response to SolarAquarion's review:

And Sakushi Ryu died of laughter at those words. (Seriously, I didn't see that coming and it was amazing!)

- In response to HunterHQ's review:

"Well, I was heterochromic!" Lily said, pointing at her eyes. "After using my Skill they changed color to only light blue! 'Amazing magic tricks done by Lily' is what I call this phenomenon!"

- In response to D3lph0xL0v3r's review:

"A new Type...?" Andal scratched his chin. "That sounds tempting, but "Masked HERO" monsters and the evolved form of "Neo-Spacian" monsters summoned by NEX are just Fusion Monsters, which are summoned the same way as my "Mesozoic" monsters."

- In response to SoulMatter's review:

"You have to love Erika! You love Erika, I love Erika, everyone loves Erika!" Sakushi Ryu cheered like there would be no tomorrow. "Or... you can hate her but then love her because after this season she'll be with our heroes and you won't be annoyed by every sentence she says!"

He turned serious a little. "In any case, her goals and motivations are the most thought-out I've done for a villain in all of my life. But anyone can make mistakes and their idea of truth can be mistaken, and Erika is no exception."

"SO I WILL USE CAPITALS NOW BECAUSE KAIBA'S NAME APPEARS!" Sakushi Ryu went wild again. "THAT MAN AND HIS GOD DESERVE ALL OF THE CAPS! I AGREE WITH YOU! Oh, and thanks for pointing out the mistakes with Grandeen, I change the name in the last second."

- In response to ClearwingYuta's review:

"Maybe a new God could be such a being!" Sakushi Ryu said. "Because Link Monsters weren't broken enough- EKAY! LINK 8 AND LINK 0 MONSTERS! In any case, for the end of the arc, I agree with your points and maybe they'll do a Revolver/Playmaker vs. Bohman, without Lightning in my opinion. The reason why Ryoken didn't mention her will be revealed later on. Now for your request... I don't really have any ideas-"

"Look out, Kioku-nii! This evil man almost tried to ignore us- especially you!" Erika bellowed, extracting her Yandere-knife-collection. "I'll kill him for you!"

"Thank you, Erika-nee, my twin sister that was born four minutes after me!" Kioku cried. "I knew I can always count on you like Grim!"

"WHAT!? AN IGNIS YOU SAY!? DANGER! I WILL KILL THAT FIRST!"

[...Like, seriously, what is going on?] Grim asked in confusion. [THIS HUMAN THINKS HE CAN KILL ME WHEN SHE HURT MY KIOKU! I WILL KILL HER AS A GIANT WINGED SNAKE! RAAAAWR!]

"Oh, I love my family..." Kioku said with a dreamy expression as Erika and Grim fought.

- In response to SolanaLeonhart's review:

"Well, I've already discovered Erika was my Origin and she's Adam, but thanks to that, I gained the power to take a step forward and team up with Earth to-" Lily explained, reading her notes when Aoi quickly took it away and gave her the right ones. "Oh... well, I guess the last part was a pretty big spoiler... in any case, I already knew about my Origin, to answer your question."

- In response to Lindia Fullmoon's review:

"Will the Wicked Gods and Three Phantasms being in this, don't worry, they will." Kaiba gave the pleasure to answer.

"Because awesome writers add all the Gods they can into their stories!" Almark chuckled.

"Seeing how my Ignis is nice, as pointed out by this reader, I shall take your deck, Lily, and use it to honor you!" Erika told.

"Oh, thank you!" Lily giggled. "I thought I would've needed to use all those embarrassing photos of you and Kioku when babies to make convince you!"

"YOU WHAT!?"

"Like the real knight I am, I shall save the young female... Ignis... from this Yandere-she-devil monster!" Revolver cried out, saving Lily while riding a dragon.

"Ah, my knight!" Lily roleplayed a princess.

"Now... show me those embarrassing photos." Revolver said.

"Not so fast, villain!" Grandeen emerged from the sky like a goddess. "I already have an effect- BUT by using the one Lindia thought out, not only I can kick your butts in a Duel, but command you to show me those photos too because Erika wouldn't!"

"And then you'll free her from Lightning, make her become my best partner, and this story with a happy ending!?" Lily beamed.

"Of course."

"Non potes vincere contra me!" Lightning bellowed, riding his Link 4 Monster's giant elephant like a true commander. "I shall destroy you first with my army and steal the amazing quotes Lindia wrote for Grim-oniisan!"

"Lightning-oniichan, stop this madness!" Grim pled in his beast-form, destroying the evil Ignis' army.

"NEVER! WAR FOR LIFE! YA-HOOO!" Windy exclaimed, using his Data Storm to attack.

"EKAAAAAAYYYYYY!" Lightning gave a battle cry, starting the war.

"...Um, could you show me the photos now?" Revolver asked Lily.

- In response to Vrains Fan's review:

"Oh no, it's an elevator!" Ai cried out in horror, their only route to escape the antagonists' H.Q. being an elevator.

"Grr... we have no choice! Everyone, get in there!" Kaiba shouted, and the entire cast ran into the elevator.

"So, um..." Kioku addressed the entire cast. "How was your day?"

"Now's not the time." they said in unison. "This is too awkward already."

"Let's make it more awkward by checking Kioku's and Erika's photos when little!" Lily suggested happily.

- In response to Darwin-18's review:

"Old-YGO-series-references for life!" Erika laughed, using all references she could master to shock everyone.

- In response to Tiny Pink Kitten's review:

Call the Knights of Hanoi if you want three opponents to be defeated in an instant by Revolver and Spectre with amazing combos and then for Sedna to wash their corpses away with her Water monster's water-abilities. It's cheap and efficient!

---

(Season 2)

Turn 16:

One's Objective (Part 1/2)

---

IRL: At Café Nagi

"O-Oi, Kioku, wait!"

Were Shoichi's confused and quick words, trying to stop the young teen from storming out of his food truck without a single word, slamming the door shut after him. When Kioku started his Duel with Adam, the latter deployed a camouflage dome, stopping Shoichi's program from filming the Duel.

Out of the blue, a beam of light was fired from the sky and destroyed the said dome, allowing Shoichi to see Kioku with an angry and downhearted be saved by Kaiba Seto from Adam, whose helmet was destroyed to reveal a feminine Kioku-faced person. Grim forced Kioku to log out, and once that happened, the youth left without a word...

Shoichi's thoughts were interrupted by Takeru and Yusaku who also logged out and returned to the real world.

"Sorry, Kusanagi-san..." Takeru was the first to speak with a contrite expression. "I wasn't able to save Jin, something got in the way of our Duel..."

"Don't sweat it, Takeru." Shoichi smiled nonetheless. "It wasn't your fault that server went wild, there's nothing any of us could've done. Let's hope Jin will be OK..."

"Where's Kioku?" Yusaku asked, not seeing his friend and comrade anywhere.

"He abruptly left, so I don't know any details," Shoichi explained. He frowned. "But... I have a feeling his Duel with Adam might be the cause."

[What happened?] Flame emerged together with Ai from their Duel Disks.

[Wait, Grim just sent me a message!] the latter told, opening the said message on one of Shoichi's computers, explaining what happened during the Dule. After everyone present read it, they were beyond shocked. [No freaking way! Kioku has a twin sister!?]

"What a cruel fate his family had to suffer..." Takeru muttered.

"Should we go and check up on him?" Shoichi suggested. "Having some people to support you at a time like this is always helpful."

"This isn't such a simple matter." Yusaku said. "If Kioku ran away, then I'm sure he means to make it clear he doesn't want others to be around him at the moment. Moreover, there are Grim and Grangadez with him, their presence to Kioku is double ours put together."

[And he isn't such a weak hearted person by what I understood in these days we were together.] Flame added. [What he needs now is some time alone to sort things out in his head.]

"Let's hope he'll manage to do that..." Takeru told. "Finding out your past and family isn't an easy shock to endure."

---

At the same time - IRL: At KaibaCorp

[What's the meaning of this, Kaiba Seto!?]

Were Queen's enraged words at the young businessman, who was sitting at his office desk and staring at the woman on his computer's screen. Moments after he returned to the real world from his Duel with Erika, Queen had called him for a who-knows-what reason... so here he is, listening (without much care, honestly).

[Why was LINK VRAINS's core damaged by 33%!?] she inquired. [I had to forcefully evacuate the people inside of VRAINS because of this! You know how much criticism and unwanted attention will SOL get because of this!?]

"By tomorrow you can have it be repaired. And why is your first culprit me?" Kaiba raised an eyebrow.

[Don't play around with my temper.] Queen glared. [We both know only one thing in this world is capable of damaging VRAINS's core this much: a God card! You've tried to summon a God in my company's system for the second time, haven't you!?]

"Your accusations are empty threats to me." Kaiba said. "You have no solid proof I have done such a thing. Moreover, let's say I actually did summon a God in VRAINS: wouldn't it stand out to you that the core was only damaged by 33%, instead of 75 like last time?"

[That means you hacked into VRAINS's algorithm and modified it!] Queen shouted.

"Another empty threat, I see." Kaiba snorted. "If you called just for that, can we end this? I have much more important matters to attend."

[I suggest you drop this confident act at once.] Queen said. [Do I have to remind you that without my company's funds yours is as good as over!? If you do not spout immediately the truth, I can guarantee you this won't end well for you.]

"Fufu... Hahahahahaha!" Queen turned confused by Kaiba's sudden laughter. "Is that so? Well, I'm sorry to say this Queen, but your little game for supremacy don't work with me. We can break ties between our companies, for all I care. But do I have to warn you that my company is still evolving while yours is still in the dust? Admit it, Queen, without KaibaCorp, you are over."

[Nonsense.] Queen spat. [SOL Technologies is more than capable of overtaking you!]

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, especially when I take into consideration my company's soon-to-be-created addition to Duel Monsters and the person who's helping me develop it."

[What?] Queen was taken back. [What do you mean by that?]

"Consider that confusion of yours my weapon." Kaiba smirked. "The weapon I'll use after SOL leaves KaibaCorp's wing. Now... are we done here?"

Queen wasn't sure if the other was just bluffing or being serious, but Kaiba isn't the type of person to tell such things without an actual plan... there's no choice but to retract for now and discuss this with the other higher-ups.

[Hmph, very well. You're free for now, Kaiba Seto, but my company won't overlook today's events.]

"Your company or King's?" Kaiba asked, but Queen hang up on him, not giving an answer.

---

At the same time - IRL: At Kioku's apartment

Kioku accidentally slammed the door to his apartment as he used it for support, the horrible headaches he was feeling at the moment making him lose control of his body as flashbacks of his childhood continued to play in his mind. He almost collided with numerous lampposts on the way if it wasn't for Grim's voice that snapped him to reality.

"Kioku!" his father...

"Kioku." his mother...

"Kioku-nii!" his sister.

Their voices continued to ring in his head, and with each ring came a new memory. Six years of suppressed memories are quite a lot, and this was evident on Kioku's face stained with agony.

"Master Kioku!" Grangadez shouted, rushing to his user's side, probably having emerged from the computer. He helped the youth walk to his bed, where he sat down. "Take deep breaths and try to calm down. You aren't on a battlefield anymore-"

With a forceful push, Kioku shoved the Duel Monster away and handed him his Duel Disk, before walking into the bathroom and slamming that door after him as well. The apartment went silent.

[I don't like times like these...] Grim whispered, emerging. [Times were there's nothing I can do to help him, even though I'm right here...]

"What happened today isn't something easy to take in." Grangadez sighed in exasperation, knowing very well the pain Grim was feeling.

[But we can't let Kioku be alone at a time like this-]

"And we can't force ourselves in, too." Grangadez told, making Grim lower his head. "Trust me, I want to help Master Kioku as well. But we can't force him to accept our help, either. That would complicate things even more and put Master Kioku at more strain."

[Why did Kioku have to be dealt with such an unfair and cruel fate...?] Grim growled in a low tone. [He's just a kid... he deserves so much more and certainly not this!]

"We can't control fate." Grangadez said with a sorrowful expression. "We are its toys."

[Even then-!] Grim clenched his fists. This isn't fair...

When Kioku eventually emerged from the bathroom, his hair wasn't tied in its ponytail anymore but let loose, and it reached past his neck and was messier than usual.

Grangadez smiled and was about to say something, but he stopped as Kioku didn't pay any attention to him or the Ignis.

After he was done, Grim couldn't take it anymore. [Kioku, say something to us...] he pled. [Are you OK? We're here, we can help you in any way you want! Just... say something...]

"I've been thinking until now." Kioku started. He turned to the two with a serious face. "And I've made a decision: I'll stop being Bloody Talker."

"Excuse me...!?" Grangadez gasped.

[B-But, Kioku, for you to do such a thing-] Grim couldn't find the words to use.

"This is for the best," Kioku explained. "No one will be hurt this way. I can't choose, that's the main problem here. The Cyberse, Grim, and Erika, they are all part of what I call family, but they can never get along without conflicts. That's why... after almost losing twice in a Duel and almost having to say goodbye to one of my two families, I've decided to stop fighting. By avoiding any conflicts, I can be sure both my families survive and not clash."

"Master Kioku..." Grangadez muttered. "Running away from this isn't the right choice..."

"Then watch me do it." Kioku remarked, almost coldly. "I can no longer trust myself... I don't even know who I am at this point. The kid who stopped living ten years ago, or the kid who was born ten years ago...? I don't want to suffer major consequences because of my own doubts anymore. By avoiding this conflict, I'm sure nothing wrong will happen."

Grim was about to retort when he remembered Grangadez's words from earlier. [Kioku... we'll take more about this tomorrow... OK? For now...] he doesn't want to leave this discussion end like this, but there's no way they can change his mind now. [Get some rest.]

"Grim!?"

[We can't force him to accept our help... That would complicate things even more and put him at more strain...] the DARK Ignis explained to the Duel Monster. [So... tomorrow. Tomorrow we'll talk about it.]

"Thank you, Grim." Kioku let out a pained smile.

"If that's OK with you, then so be it." Grangadez politely said.

---

In the afternoon - IRL: At Den City's hospital

"We have no choice but to do surgery."

Were the words of a doctor to a mother and her son, outside a room which contained her ill daughter as well. The mother had long silver hair tied in a braid that was left over her right shoulder and wore casual clothes, just like her son, who was a sixteen-year-old teen of average height with a slim build, segmental heterochromia which consisted of purple with yellow along the bottom curve of his pupil, and his silver hair was short with a lock left long on the right side of his face.

"But surgery would be too dangerous, doctor!" his mother said in concern.

"I know, however, if we leave your daughter in her current conditions..." the doctor stopped before saying something too cruel. "As I said before, we have no choice. I am sorry, Miss Daimon, but I'm telling this for the good of your daughter."

"H-How much would it cost?" the teen asked.

The doctor started working on a tablet he held for a minute, before handing it to him. It showed the total sum of the payment, which was 475000 yen.

"This much...!?" he whispered.

"You are free to pay in installments." the doctor said. "I am truly sorry, but we have no other way. Your daughter probably won't make it far without it."

"W-We understand, thank you, doctor." his mother weakly nodded.

"Let me know as soon as possible if you accept or not." the doctor took his tablet. "I have another patient waiting, so I have to take my leave."

"Goodbye..." the youth said and the doctor left. He turned to his mother. "What do we do...? You saw that price, didn't you...? Can we pay such a thing?"

"Adrian, your father and I will worry about that." she caressed his son's cheek with a weak smile. "You focus on your studies, got it? We'll..." her eyes got watery a little. "We'll manage somehow. Your support is more than enough for your father and I."

"OK." Adrian gave a weak smile himself. "I-I have to use the bathroom, you can go ahead."

His mother nodded and entered her sister, Chelsea's room. Adrian didn't go to the bathroom but instead started thinking of a plan that might save Chelsea from her condition.

There is a way to obtain that much money even for a Den Academy student like myself... he fished his phone out of his pocket and made a research on LINK VRAINS's wanted Duelists. He stopped upon seeing the Cyberse-user trio. Playmaker, Bloody Talker, and Soulburner... all the others on the wanted list are criminals, and I can't get in touch with them. But the other three are different: if I could lure them out and capture just one of them, that could help my parents pay for the surgery!

---

The next day - At noon

Adrian was home alone today, his parents out to work, and the youth equipped his new model Duel Disk that was colored black with glowing, dark purple highlights- something he brought without his parents knowing- before taking a seat in the wheelchair in his room.

"Into the VRAINS!" Adrian said and entered the Virtual Reality.

His avatar had a similar body structure as his real self, his hair changed to a black color with the lock of hair left long being swept backwards. He wore a costume that consisted of a tight dark purple suit with golden stripes and long wrapped sleeves, worn over by a black and gold cloak with crimson spandex lining the inside and a black cape encircling his head. Lastly, he wore a crimson mask that covered only his eyes and nose, with its eye sockets colored white and acted as his actual eyes.

Landing on a small island above LINK VRAINS's main city, the youth started looking for a cameraman that would film him. While he was doing that, Adrian couldn't help himself but think how he arrived at where he is today...

His sister always had a weak body, right from her birth. In order to cheer her up in those days stuck in a hospital bed, Adrian would take on his VRAINS persona and entertain his sister. Originally, he only focused on her, but as time passed, he started performing for an entire crowd and he had no problems with that. It didn't take much until he entered the Charisma Duelists' circle; the money he gets from that always comes in handy when Chelsea needs it.

Although he wasn't able to climb up the ranks, his crowd loved him nonetheless.

If this plan of his goes well, Adrian will have no choice but to reveal his VR identity to his parents (who strictly warned him not to have one because parents are parents and they care for you even if you don't know it) when he'll hand them the money from SOL. But if it means paying Chelsea's surgery, that's not a bad drawback whatsoever.

"Hey, it's Kismet! Fly closer to him!"

"Yes, sir!"

Two avatars flew from the sky on the island Adrian- or as he was named- Kismet stood, and he saw them be a frog and pigeon respectively.

"Hi there." he waved a hand. "Are you two cameramen?"

"We were born to be!" Frog chuckled with a smug expression.

"What is the Hero of Destiny doing here in VRAINS?" Pigeon asked. "Is there an event we didn't hear about?"

"No, it's none of sorts." Kismet answered. "I am here to Duel at least one of three people, and they are very famous so you might already know them: Playmaker, Bloody Talker, and Soulburner."

"The three Heroes of VRAINS!?" Frog exclaimed. "This can be a big scoop!"

"But I'm not sure if that'll be the case, after all, they have to appear first." Kismet pointed out. He even skipped school today so he could check on his deck and strategies! They better appear or this is a big waste of time.

"Well, that's true..." Pigeon muttered.

"Don't worry!" Frog told the two. "We have a false e-mail address that belongs to Bloody Talker-sama! Making him come will be easy if we ask nicely!"

"You do!?"

"We do!? Wait- I remember now!" Pigeon said after Kismet. "He gave it to us three months ago when we filmed his Duel with Playmaker!"

"Exactly!" Frog nodded. "Stay at easy, Hero of Destiny! This is your lucky day!"

---

At the same time - IRL: At Kioku's apartment

"A message from Frog? I didn't get one for a long time now."

Were Kioku's words as he checked an e-mail he just got from Frog. "The seventh Charisma Duelist requests a Duel with you, Playmaker, and Soulburner..." he read it.

[That's a surprise.] Grim commented from the side. [What would such a person want with you? Could they be part of SOL's bounty team?]

Well, not that it would matter. Kioku's decision to drop his VR persona didn't change this morning, Yusaku and Takeru have no reason to accept it either, so that request won't be fulfilled.

"Yusaku, Takeru, and Aoi are all at school yet..." Kioku muttered. He didn't go to school today because Grim and Grangadez urged him to stay home and take a day off, seeing how tough his last day was. "It was a good idea not to go."

[You are going?] Grim asked in surprise as the Duel Disk was picked up.

"I'll use this opportunity to reveal my final decision to the world," Kioku explained and sent a reply to Frog, saying he's coming. He entered his sealed room and swung his deck into the Duel Disk. "Deck, set! Into the VRAINS!"

---

At the same time - IRL: At Den Academy

"Whoa, Bloody Talker appeared in LINK VRAINS!?" Naoki shout-whispered, watching the live broadcast of this event start on his tablet during class.

"He what?" Takeru's eyes widen.

"Bloody Talker is...!" Yusaku was surprised as well.

"Homura and Fujiki, I see you're in the mood to talk today." the teacher's words caught their attention. "Instead of talking to yourselves, come to the board for an oral test."

"E-Eh!?" Takeru gasped, while Yusaku gritted his teeth. Their teacher had to do this right now of all times!?

"Excuse me." Aoi spoke up, raising a hand. After seeing a notification of Bloody Talker vs. Kismet on her phone, she had to do something. "Can I use the bathroom?"

"I believe hearing this oral test is useful for you as well, Zaizen." the teacher remarked. "After all, your last test didn't go so well, am I right."

"Yes..." she muttered with a frown. This teacher-!

---

At the same time - IRL: At the Azumaya Oprhanage

"Look! Kismet is live on TV!"

"His opponent is Bloody Talker, cool!"

Were the words of the orphanage's kids, who started grouping in front of the TV and watch the soon-to-be Duel. A caretaker behind them had a big smile, knowing they all liked this Charisma Duelist, while the owner of the orphanage next to her had a frown.

What is this...? Jeanne narrowed her eyes. Why did Kismet challenge him...?

---

Back to LINK VRAINS!

"I thank you for accepting my invitation, Hero of VRAINS."

Kismet said in a calm manner, even if in the inside he was getting a little scared. Bloody Talker seemed different than usual... colder, and holding the definition of a poker face.

"The reason I came here is one alone." the other raised a finger. "This will probably be my last Duel before I stop being Bloody Talker."

"What!?" Kismet, Frog, and Pigeon all gasped.

Grim glanced at his Origin with a sad face. Let's hope this Duel can change his decision. he thought. Grangadez and I weren't able to, but this Charisma Duelist could with a Duel...

"But I can tell you are afraid deep inside." Bloody Talker changed the subject. "Like standing on the highest cliff of this world... you climbed up a lot and are scared to either go up or down."

Kismet didn't expect the sudden metaphor but spoke. "Y-You might be true... however, even a scared hero like me has goals to accomplish! I won't hesitate when a person I love is at stake!"

[A person he loves...?] Grim narrowed his eyes. [What does he mean...?]

"You didn't appear and help us during the Tower of Hanoi crisis." Bloody Talker pointed. "That further proves my point of you being scared. When things are set at high stakes, you don't appear."

That was true in a way; Kismet didn't want to end up erased by a giant tower, and so he stayed out of that crisis. However, there are reasons behind his foe's actions as well!

"But for a hero to drop their own mask... there's something behind that as well." Kismet pointed an accusing finger at the other. "You are scared of something as well, aren't you? Therefore, you have no right to question a fellow hero's ways!"

"...What would you know." Bloody Talker spat. "Let's start... my final Duel!"

"Bring it on, Hero of VRAINS!" Kismet shouted, making the crowd get hyped up a little.

"DUEL!"

Kismet: LP 4000

VS

Bloody Talker: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.)

"I made the challenge, so you may go first."

Bloody Talker said nothing to Kismet's words, taking hold of the top card of his deck, meaning he accepted the offer. However, right then, a flashback took his vision away.

"As expected of you two, you are prodigies at this game, haha!" Kyoya laughed, placing his hands on his children's shoulders.

"Thank you, pappy!" the two said in unison with a smile.

"You Duel so well, but in a Tag Duel, you are almost on my or your father's level." Suiko admitted with a chuckle. "I'm sure no one would stand a chance to you in the future..."

"My angels and Kioku-nii's dragon are the best." Erika giggled.

"Just like mommy's angels and pappy's dragons!" Kioku added. "We're almost the same! A great duet!"

"...I think you meant 'duo', Kioku." Suiko pointed out, making him blush.

Bloody Talker's teeth clenched together as the vision faded. "Duo... I wish we could've been that." he whispered with a frown. "Ore no turn! Draw!"

Ore? Grim was confused. This was the first time his Origin used that pronoun instead of Wagahai... strange...

"I normal summon Wind Deus - Gale from my hand!"

Following the youth's shout, raging winds started concentrating in one spot on his field. A bipedal dragon with light green scales leaped out of the winds, opening its mouth as electricity crackled within it before the dragon closed it and bared its teeth. Gale had two wings sprouting from its back, whose membranes were made of raging winds, and its eyes glowed with a gold color as it roared.

Wind Deus - Gale: Wind/Cyberse/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 0/LV: 4

"When this dragon is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add one "Deus" Monster from my deck to my hand. I choose Life Deus - Bloom," Bloody Talker explained. "Next, by discarding Bloom I just added to my hand, I activate Throttle Engine Dragon's effect in my hand to Special Summon him!"

The mechanical dragon riding a Harley road king, that were both made of gun gears mainly colored a dark shade of blue, medallion gold, and grey and had green circuits glowing over them, appeared on the field with a rev of its bike.

Throttle Engine Dragon: ATK 1800/DEF 200/LV: 5

"Kengen seyo... kekkon no tsuita sākitto!"

Following Bloody Talker's words, his clawed-hand Duel Anchor shot out of his hand and formed a Link Portal above him.

[Even his chant is a little off...] Grim whispered.

"The summoning conditions are one or more Effect Monster!" he shouted. "I set Gale and Throttle in the Link Markers!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of green and dark blue wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to lit up. "Link Summon! Come on out Kompuneko!"

Leaping out of the portal was the female human with fair skin, long silver hair with several pink-colored ribbons, amethyst-purple eyes, a white-furred tail, a sharp canine tooth in the left of her mouth, and wearing a white jumpsuit with purple accents and black headphones that had cat-ears attached to them with white circuits. Kompuneko winked and miaowed in a childish way as she was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone on Bloody Talker's right.

Kompuneko: ATK 1400/Link 2: Left, Bottom

"A Link Summon right off the bat!" Frog cheered.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Bloody Talker concluded.

[You've set up a good defense.] Grim commented. [A good move since we don't know his deck.] his Origin said nothing in return, making him blink. He would've made a reply there... what's wrong with you today, Kioku? It's as if you're a totally different person...

"It's this Hero's turn now!" Kismet announced. "Draw! I activate the Magic Card Destiny Draw, using its effect to discard Destiny HERO - Diskguy from my hand and draw two new cards! Then, I normal summon this card! Destiny HERO - Drillguy, come on!"

Following his perfect English shout, a humanoid Monster materialized on Kismet's field. It was clad in brown armor under a light brown bodysuit, had piercing green eyes, and attached to its knees, hips, and fingers were little drills, while the drill attached to its right arm was much larger. The hero gave a loud battle cry and pointed its drill at the enemy.

Destiny HERO - Drillguy: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4

[A hero which uses a "HERO" deck...] Grim muttered. [Fitting, I'd say.]

"When Drillguy is Normal or Special Summoned, its effect activates!" Kismet stated, saying 'effect' in English as well. "I can Special Summon a "Destiny HERO" Monster from my hand with an equal or lower amount of Attack than Drillguy's! Come on, Destiny HERO - Decisionguy!"

Answering the hero's cry was another hero. It was a humanoid Monster clad in silver and dark green armor with a Bordeaux bodysuit under it, and a mask with fins attached to its sides. The hero struck a pose upon entering the fray.

Destiny HERO - Decisionguy: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000/LV: 4

"He also gathered two Monsters and is ready to Link Summon!" Pigeon cried out. "They're neck-on-neck!"

"Decisionguy's effect!" Kismet said. "Once per Duel, during the End Phase of a turn it was Normal or Special Summoned in, I can activate an effect. Once that time comes, you'll see what I'm talking about. Now, come on, my Circuit!"

A Link Portal twirled out from behind Kismet before stopping above him.

"The summoning conditions are two Warrior Monster!" he shouted. "I set Drillguy and Decisionguy in the Link Markers!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of brown and grey wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to lit up. "Link Summon! Come on, Xtra HERO Crossguy!"

Emerging from the portal was a male human clad in metal armor that had some purple parts and wore a black bodysuit under it, had crimson spikes sprouting from his legs, back, shoulders, and helmet, had spiky dark green hair and a visor over his face, and attached to his arms were two large crosses that burnt with energy.

Xtra HERO Crossguy: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1600/Link 2: Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right

"I activate my new Monster's effect!" Kismet declared. "When Link Summoned, I can target one "Destiny HERO" Monster in my Cemetary and Special Summon it! Revive, Drillguy!"

Crossguy extended his hand to the side, conjuring a GY Portal, from which Drillguy leaped out with its 1600 ATK.

"He recovered a material..." Bloody Talker scowled. "He can use his cards to a good degree."

"And here's where it gets worse for you, villain." Kismet took.

[Villain?] Grim tilted his head. [He adds roleplay to entertain the crowd even more, huh...]

"I activate Crossguy's effect! By releasing Drillguy on my field to add a "HERO" Monster from my deck to my hand with a different name than the released "Destiny HERO" Monster. I shall exchange Drillguy for Destiny HERO - Drawguy!"

Following those words, the 'X' on Crossguy's chest started glowing brightly as Drillguy exploded in particles and a card ejected from Kismet's deck.

"Then, I activate the Magic Card Polymerization!" the Charisma Duelist stated. "I fuse together Destiny HERO - Drawguy and Destiny HERO - Dreamguy in my hand! Behold my heroes' combined powers and my Ace!"

As his two Monsters turned into particles of red and blue light that swirled together, Kismet chanted.

"Heroes that protect the unknown fate, become one and reign in the pitch-black future! Fusion Summon! Come on, Destiny HERO - Dystopiaguy!"

A twister of purple wind erupted from the whirlpool of particles and a new hero emerged from it, this one being a humanoid Monster clad in purple armor with yellow pieces and a mask that had a crimson 'D' engraved on it. Dystopiaguy punched the air in front of it while giving its pose, standing under Crossguy's Bottom-Right Marker.

Destiny HERO - Dystopiaguy: Dark/Warrior/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400/LV: 8

"A Level 8 Fusion Ace..." Bloody Talker muttered, taking in the sight.

"When Special Summon, Dystopiaguy's effect activates!" Kismet threw his hand forward. "I target the Level 4 Drillguy in my Cemetary and inflict damage to you equal to its Attack, in this case 1600! Squeeze Palm!"

"I activate the Trap Card Scarlet Shield!" Bloody Talker cried out. "By sending the Continuous Trap Cyberse Particle Holder from my deck to the Graveyard, I negate one instance of battle or effect damage!"

Dystopiaguy fired a white sphere of energy from its palm, that was blocked by a transparent, scarlet barrier that appeared around the other youth.

"He blocked some huge damage!" Frog exclaimed.

"But now you're defenseless!" Kismet pointed out. "Battle! Crossguy, attack Kompuneko! Double Cross-Spin!"

"I activate Kompuneko's effect!" Bloody Talker shouted. "During either player's turn once, when a Link Monster is attacked, I can negate that attack and increase the Attack of all Link Monsters I control by 600 points until the End Phase!"

Kompuneko summoned her phone and activated an option on it, creating large screens around her to form a barrier from Crossguy's weapons attached to his arms that started rotating very fast. As the attack ended, everything turned to normal.

(Kompuneko: ATK 1400→2000)

"One attack is over, but I have another one! Battle! Dystopiaguy, finish Crossguy's job with Dystopia Blow!"

Following Kismet's order, the Fusion Monster leaped forward. As he was about to punch Kompuneko, the female Duel Monster started waving her hands in defense, prompting Dystopiaguy to halt and sweatdrop. The hero flickered her on the forehead, making Kompuneko whine before vanishing in particles of light.

Bloody Talker: LP 4000 - 800 = 3200

"When Kompuneko is destroyed by my opponent, her effect activates." Bloody Talker stated. "Thanks to it, I add one "Cybenet" Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand. I choose Cybenet Fusion."

"You are going to answer my Fusion Summon with one of your own?" Kismet asked. "I accept that challenge to see who's the better Fusion user. I set one card face-down and end my turn! At this moment, Decisionguy's effect I mentioned earlier resolves, letting me return the "HERO" Monster, Destiny HERO - Drillguy, from the Cemetary to my hand."

[It seems he built up some confidence.] Grim noted, addressing his Origin. [I quickly checked him up while he played. I believe the reason he challenged you and the others is to collect the bounty on your heads to pay a surgery for his sister.]

"His... sister?" Bloody Talker parroted.

"Hey, Erika, could we make a very important promise...?" Kioku raised his little finger.

"Huh? What promise?" Erika tilted her head.

"That, no matter what, we'll always Duel together of course!" Kioku said. "Even if we are angry at each other or very far away... we Duel for one and other!"

"...I think you meant 'one another', but yes." Erika smiled as the two crossed their little fingers. "It's a promise!"

"What's the point?" Bloody Talker's expression suddenly turned furious. "What's the point in fighting... if you're destined to die one day in the future? How do we live and love when we know that everything we love must end!?"

"W-What are you talking about...?"

"Your- no, our sisters!" the other stated. "What's the point!? If you don't win this Duel or against my other comrades, you won't get the money to save your sister! And if I continue to fight, I'll have to choose between my created and real family when I Duel my sister again! There's no point in fighting when everything you do is useless or too high to achieve! It's a waste of time, in the end."

"Bloody Talker-sama has a sister...!?" Frog breathed out.

"NANI!?" Pigeon exclaimed, not expecting that.

"I-I don't know about this sister of yours..." Kismet started. "However, if there's one I know is that fighting for your family is never a waste of time! I'm sure if you encounter your sister again in the future, you can sort things out like real brothers and sisters do!"

"Don't talk like you know everything!" Bloody Talker growled. "My sister and I went down separate paths that are too far from each other! It's... It's impossible for us to find common grounds because our beliefs, truths, and views of reality are like two sides of a destroyed bridge!"

"Then all you have to do is create a passage that connects that bridge!" Kismet shouted back. "It's impossible for a family not to find common grounds when there are so many things that tie them together! But saying this to a Hero who decided to throw away his mask and abandon his family is useless."

"Abandon, you say!?" Bloody Talker gritted his teeth- before letting out a cry of pent up frustration, for what Kismet told him and for what happened to him these couple of days.

[Kioku...!] Grim whispered in surprise.

"Ore no turn! DRAW!" Bloody Talker bellowed. "I activate the Continuous Spell Cybenet Deus Reality from my hand!" a card which depicted all the "Relativity" and "Deus" Monsters on a desolated battlefield, fighting legendary Monsters like Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Red-Eyes Black Dragon, and so on, appeared. "Then, if my opponent controls a Monster and I don't, I can Special Summon this card from my hand! Causality Dragon, appear!"

The bipedal dragon clad from head to toe in silver armor, that acted as its skin, with blue metal boots and fingerless gloves, golden parts attached to its shoulders and knees, two cogs sprouting from its back and boosters connected to them, and another cog around its tail, appeared on the field with a roar.

Causality Dragon: ATK 600/DEF 1800/LV: 6

"Because this dragon is also treated as a "Relativity" Monster, my Continuous Spell Card's effect activates, letting me place one Reality Counter on it when a "Relativity" or "Deus" is summoned!"

(Cybenet Deus Reality: Counters 0→1)

"Next, I activate Causality's effect!" Bloody Talker stated. "Once per turn, I can inflict you damage equal to this dragon's current Attack Points! Tempo Slip!"

The dragon unleashed a beam of light from its palm, hitting Kismet in the chest and making him wince as that spot glitched a little.

Kismet: LP 4000 - 600 = 3400

"I activate Cybenet Fusion!" Bloody Talker raised the card from his hand and the highlights of his avatar's suit glowed purple. "I use Causality Dragon on my field, and banish Kompuneko from the Graveyard to use her as well, to perform a Fusion Summon!"

As his two Monsters turned into particles of red and blue light that swirled together, he chanted.

"Appear, the origin of time itself! The sovereign that controls the indefinite progress of existence and occurring events! Fusion Summon! Show yourself, Relativity Rewinder Dragon!"

A twister of purple wind erupted from the whirlpool of particles and the four-pedal dragon with two heads, two wide and large wings colored black with pointy ends, and two noticeable cannons were attached to its back, emerged from the twister with a grand roar, landing on the free Extra Monster Zone.

Relativity Rewinder Dragon: ATK 2700/DEF 1800/LV: 8

"I never saw this Fusion Monster before...!" Kismet's eyes widen.

"B-But it has less Attack Points than Dystopiaguy!" Frog pointed out.

"Cybenet Deus Reality gains its second Reality Counter with Rewinder Dragon's summon!" Bloody Talker said. "Then, I activate Cybenet Deus Reality's other effect! Once per turn, I can remove its two Counters and raise Rewinder Dragon's Attack by 500 until my next Standby Phase!"

The two-headed dragon roared as its eyes gained a bright glow.

(Cybenet Deus Reality: Counters 2→0; Relativity Rewinder Dragon: ATK 2700→3200)

[Alright, it has more Attack than Kismet's Ace!] Grim nodded.

"Battle! Relativity Rewinder Dragon, attack Destiny HERO - Dystopiaguy!"

"That won't go as you expect! I activate the Continuous Trap Demise Urban!" Kismet stated, revealing his Set card.

"I chain Rewinder Dragon's effect to it!" Bloody Talker cried out. "During my turn only, when my opponent activates a card or effect, that activation is negated! Time Mystery!"

"N-No way!" Kismet gasped.

The clock hands in the clocks of Rewinder Dragon's armor started going backwards, and his Trap Card lost its colors.

"When Time Mystery is activated, all other effects that have been activated this turn are negated until the End Phase, and they return to the state they were at the beginning of the turn!"

Rewinder Dragon roared with its two heads as the clock hands rotated even faster. Demise Urban returned to its face-down position, while Cybenet Fusion and Causality Dragon in Bloody Talker's GY returned to his hand and Kompuneko, that was banished, to his GY.

"What an effect!" Pigeon beamed. "But can't Kismet activate his card again anyway?"

"That would be useless." Bloody Talker coldly said. "The turn Time Mystery is activated, only cards I permit can be activated! Moreover, Cybenet Deus Reality is unaffected by "Relativity" Monsters' effects, so it won't return to my hand. Do it, Rewinder Dragon: Flare of Origin!"

The cannons attached to the dragon's back fired massive beams of energy at Dystopiaguy, causing it to explode and send Kismet flying off his feet, crying out in pain and as he fell to the ground.

Kismet: LP 3400 - 400 = 3000

"The Hero of Destiny has fallen!" Frog cried out in concern.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn!" Bloody Talker concluded. "I told you: this is a waste of time. Someone of your caliber cannot defeat me yet... In the end, the grand hero won't save its city's people today."

"N-No... I can still... fight...!" Kismet wheezed out, standing back to his feet. His face and suit were bruised, but the Charisma Duelist looked even more determined now than the beginning of this Duel. "Right now I am not fighting for a city's people... for fun and entertainment... but one person, and that one alone: it's my sister! I may not know what happened between you and your sister, Bloody Talker, but let me say this once... it's the duty of an older brother protect their younger siblings and show them the right way!"

Bloody Talker's eyes widen a little.

"Sometimes we fight and get really angry at each other." he continued. "We may call each other that 'jerk' and give each other silent treatment, but then something strange happens, and we're laughing hysterically again! Even if things are hard and painful, we'll accept it! That's the beauty of a family to me, and it surely isn't a waste of time!"

"K-Kismet-san!" Frog and Pigeon sniffed, moved by his words.

Grim glanced at his Origin and spoke up. [After hearing such words... Kioku, please, reconsider your choice because it's not too late to change... I know deep down you'll make the right choice, partner.]

"Everyone..." Bloody Talker whispered.

"It's this Hero's turn!" Kismet announced. "Draw! And now, the effect of Drawguy in my Cemetary activates! During my next Standby Phase after this card was sent to my Cemetary, I can Special Summon it at the cost of banishing it the next time it leaves the field! Come on, Destiny HERO - Drawguy!"

Jumping out of a GY Portal with an elegant backflip was a male human with fair skin, blue hair, and wearing a black mask with crimson eye sockets, a D-shaped hat, a purple scarf, white gloves, and a white tuxedo. The hero gave a smirk as he pointed his right hand towards the enemy, mimicking a gun.

Destiny HERO - Drawguy: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 800/LV: 4

"And because Drawguy was Special Summoned by the effect of a "HERO", its other effect lets us both draw one card!" Kismet stated. "Then, I activate Crossguy's effect once again, releasing Drawguy to add Destiny HERO - Divineguy from my deck to my hand! I normal summon Drillguy from my hand after that!"

The hero equipped with numerous drills appeared once again with its 1600 ATK.

"Effect activated! I Special Summon Divineguy, which has 1600 Attack like Drillguy, from my hand! Come on, Destiny HERO - Divineguy!"

Another hero showed itself, a male human clad from head to toe in a black bodysuit that had some crimson parts and large blades attached to its back. Divineguy gave a battle cry as it appeared.

Destiny HERO - Divineguy: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400/LV: 4

"Lastly, I activate the Equip Spell Xtra Bond, equipping it to Crossguy!" a card which showed Xtra HERO - Wonder Driver shaking hands with Destiny HERO - Dystopiaguy in a symbol of alliance appeared. "When activated, I have to declare one "HERO" series and the equipped Monster's name will also be treated as such. I declare Destiny HERO, making Crossguy a "Destiny HERO" Monster!"

[He has three Destiny HEROes...] Grim muttered in concern.

"I activate Xtra Bond's other effect, using Monsters I control, including the equipped one, to perform a Fusion Summon!" Kismet declared as his two Monsters turned into particles of red and blue light that swirled together. "Heroes that protect the unknown fate, become one and reign in the pitch-black future! Fusion Summon! Come on, Destiny HERO - Dominateguy!"

A twister of purple wind erupted from the whirlpool of particles and a hero that towered over the field emerged from it. It was a male humanoid in bulky grey armor that had numerous spikes emerging from it and a red 'D' glowing on its stomach, along with a large object emerging from its back that had a cape attached to it, and held a long sword. Dominateguy gave a loud roar, standing in the Extra Monster Zone.

Destiny HERO - Dominateguy: Dark/Warrior/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2900/DEF: 2600/LV: 10

"A Level 10 Fusion Monster this time!" Frog shouted.

"Yeah, but it has lower Attack then Rewinder Dragon..." Pigeon muttered.

"Due to Xtra Bond's last effect, the Monster summoned by its effect gains the effect of a Monster used for its summon until the End Phase. I choose Divineguy's first effect," Kismet explained. "You'll see soon enough what it does. Now I activate Dominateguy's own effect, letting me check the top five cards of your deck and rearrange in any order I wish!"

[He's going to decide our future instead of us!?] Grim's eyes widen.

After doing so, Kismet gestured to his field. "Battle! Dominateguy, attack Rewinder Dragon! At this moment, the effect gained from Divineguy activates, destroying your face-up Cybenet Deus Reality Magic Card and inflicting you 500 damage!"

Dominateguy pointed its sword at the said card as a bolt of lightning erupted from its tip, shattering the said Continuous Spell and making Bloody Talker wince.

Bloody Talker: LP 3200 - 500 = 2700

"W-When it leaves the field by my opponent's card, Cybenet Deus Reality lets me draw a card..." Bloody Talker explained.

"But since it left the field, Rewinder Dragon's Attack returns to normal." Kismet pointed out and the dragon's ATK dropped to 2700. "Do it, my hero! Supreme Subjugation!"

Dominateguy leaped forward and swing its sword, bisecting Rewinder Dragon and making it explode, with the shockwaves prompting Bloody Talker to gasp in pain.

Bloody Talker: LP 2700 - 200 = 2500

"When Dominateguy destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, I can draw one card." Kismet stated. "I set two cards face-down and end my turn!"

"Kioku-nii, why do you keep using Dark-attribute Monsters?" Erika asked during a Duel between them.

"Eh...? I don't really know..." Kioku scratched his cheek. "Maybe... because seeing you use Light Monsters makes me use them."

"Me?"

"Yeah," Kioku chuckled at her confused face. "You are a very cute light, Erika-nee. But every light has a shadow to keep it company... so I will be your shadow!"

"Aww, thanks Kioku-nii..." Erika blushed a little. "It's good to know I have a shadow with me all the time..."

Kioku, who was watching this memory unfold in his head, gained a soft expression and smiled for the first time today. "So that's why I always felt a deeper connection with Dark Monsters..."

"I envy you two, honestly..." his Bloody Talker persona appeared beside him, staring at the memory as well but with a sad expression. "You two had everything back then. A loving family, a place to call home... and happy emotions..."

"Bloody Talker, you are my alter ego born from the Lost Incident when I lost my memories," Kioku explained. "You are me, and I am you... this family, home, and emotions belong to you, too."

"Don't sugar coat it." Bloody Talker said. "I am just your alter ego... in the end, you are the real Kioku and the one who all of this belongs to."

"The outside is the same, but inside, we're different... is what you're saying?"

"Pretty much." Bloody Talker shrugged. "But..." he chuckled. "We aren't that different... True, our past and way of living may be divergent, but we both have the same goals: protect our own family, home, and emotions."

"But I can't do that if my sister is an enemy." Kioku coldly pointed out. "Our paths won't cross as a family anymore."

"From when are you such a crybaby!?" Bloody Talker suddenly shouted, making the other halt. "If Erika is your enemy, then using your logic, she's my enemy as well because we're the same person! You can never be together because I'm also there, inside you, and I want to protect my family too, the Cyberse and Grim... However, if we change Erika's way of thinking, she will come to accept me, and you can be together!"

"Change... it...?" Kioku furrowed his eyebrows. That wasn't a wrong idea: Erika is fighting with her beliefs and grand goals in mind, and that is why she won't come to accept Bloody Talker's family. What a fool he was... Kioku has no choice but to fight.

"So that's our goal now?" he asked with a smile.

"That wasn't a question in the first place." Bloody Talker smirked.

"Figures." Kioku chuckled as his mind returned to the Duel. "Kismet, I am grateful of you for showing me the true path to take amidst the war raging within my very being."

The Charisma Duelist blinked, not expecting that. "O-Oh... well, it was my pleasure." he smiled. "A hero's job is to help others at the end of the day."

"Fufu, it is, isn't it?" Bloody Talker chuckled with his usual grin. "And for that, get ready, Hero of Destiny... an incredible storm is coming your way!"

[What is happening...?] Grim whispered. The aura Kioku emits swaps whenever he starts talking, going from a cold yet strong one to his usual sadistic and cheery one. [It's as if he's two people at the same time...]

"Yes, that could be the right way to put it." Kioku confirmed. "My alter ego and I fighting together..."

"Isn't that adorable!?" Bloody Talker grinned wider. "Let's get going already! Wagahai no turn, draw!" his new card revealed to be Booby Trap Mk-II.

This could turn out to be a problem... Kioku thought with a frown. He manipulated our deck; essentially, our next four draws and this card won't do much since Kismet knows them.

Then we'll have to show him how this strategy of his is useless. Bloody Talker thought before speaking out loud. "I activate Life Deus - Bloom's effect in my Graveyard, letting me return her to my hand during my Standby Phase because I didn't Overdrive Summon yet this Duel. Then, for the second time, I Special Summon Causality Dragon from my hand through its own effect!"

The bipedal dragon reappeared on the field with a roar and its 1800 DEF.

"And I activate its effect." Kioku stated. "Take its Attack as damage! Tempo Slip!"

Causality Dragon fired a beam from its palm, hitting Kismet and making him wince.

Kismet: LP 3000 - 600 = 2400

"The facial and pronoun swaps he continues to do..." the Charisma Duelist noted. "That's kinda out of his style, he never done them before. Am I fighting two people now or what...?"

"I activate the Continuous Trap Cybenet Science!" Bloody Talker said, revealing his set card. "But I won't need its effect because I'm activating Wind Deus - Gale's from my Graveyard! Since I have a face-up Continuous Spell or Trap card on my field, I can return Gale to my hand as well!"

"Next is the Spell Card Cybenet Fusion." Kioku activated the said card. "For the second time, I use Causality Dragon on my field and Kompuneko from my Graveyard, by banishing her, to Fusion Summon!"

As his two Monsters turned into particles of red and blue light that swirled together, he chanted.

"The strong ones gather before its might! The one from legends will now be reborn in this fictional world!"

Kioku clapped his hands together and raised them in the air with his gaze. Bloody Talker swung his hands and head down, revealing his demonic grin.

"Fusion Summon! Show yourself, Level 7! Cyberse Majestic Kirin!"

A twister of purple wind erupted from the whirlpool of particles and the beautiful creature from myths galloped out. The horse-like bodied creature with metallic, gold fish-scales covering its skin, the head of a maned dragon with golden scales, two wooden horns of a deer, four feet with hooves of an ox, a tail of a lion with brown-orange fur, and deep blue eyes with black slits revealed itself. The majestic creature roared as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone on the hacker's right side.

Cyberse Majestic Kirin: ATK 2200/DEF 1200/LV: 7

"Another Fusion Summon!" Pigeon shouted.

"It's a battle between Fusion Monsters!" Frog exclaimed with a wide smile.

"By sending a card from my hand to the Graveyard, that being Gale, I activate the Equip Spell Scarlet Blood and equip it to Kirin!" Bloody Talker exclaimed. "Battle! Cyberse Majestic Kirin, attack Dominateguy now!"

[At this moment,] Grim spoke up with a chuckle, happy to see his Origin's will to fight came back and isn't wondering in self-doubt anymore. [Due to its effect, when Kirin battles with an opponent's Monster, an effect is activated depending on the Link Rating the Link Monster used as Fusion Material had.]

Kioku nodded. "That's right. Since Kompuneko was a Link 2 Monster, Kirin gains 800 Attack until the end of damage step!"

(Cyberse Majestic Kirin: ATK 2200→3000)

"Not so fast!" Kismet interrupted them. "I also have tricks to use! I activate the Continuous Trap Demise Urban! When an opponent's Monster declares an attack, I can target one "Destiny HERO" I control and raise its Attack by 100! My choice, of course, will be Dominateguy!"

A purple aura enveloped the said Monster for a couple of seconds.

(Destiny HERO - Dominateguy: ATK 2900→3000)

"Their Attack is now the same!" Frog gasped. "A tie!?"

"No, that won't happen!" Bloody Talker said. "During either player's turn once, I can negate the destruction of the equipped Monster by battle or a card effect thanks to Scarlet Blood's effect!"

"In that case, I activate Dreamguy's effect in my Cemetary!" Kismet shouted. "During damage calculation, if my "Destiny HERO" battles an opponent's Monster, I can Special Summon this card from the Cemetary and protect my Monster from destruction, but Dreamguy will be banished when it leaves the field! Come on, Destiny HERO - Dreamguy!"

A hero wearing a jester-like outfit suddenly appeared on the field with a laugh, striking a pose and conjuring a transparent barrier around Dominateguy, protecting it from Kirin's torrent of flames unleashed from its mouth.

(Cyberse Majestic Kirin: ATK 3000→2200)

[You negated its destruction, but my partner isn't done yet!] Grim pointed out.

"I take no battle damage involving the Monster equipped with Scarlet Blood," his Origin explained. "Also, every time the equipped Monster battles, my opponent takes 600 damage afterwards. Take this!"

"Not happening! I chain Decisionguy's effect from my Cemetary!" Kismet cried out. "Once per Duel, when an effect that would inflict me effect damage is activated, I can return this card to my hand and negate that damage!"

Kirin unleashed another wave of crimson flames, this time at the Charisma Duelist, but the ghostly form of the mentioned Monster materialized in front of him, blocking the flames.

"Another reversal...? Hehe, this Duel turned out to be an amazing one!" Bloody Talker gave a genuine smile, something Kioku would've done himself. "I haven't had this undisputed fun in a Duel... honestly, I can even remember! I end my turn with this. It's your turn, so hit us with everything you've got, Charisma Duelist!"

[Having fun in a Duel...] Grim's eyes widen a little. True, up until now, whenever Kioku Duels there are always prices he'd have to pay if he loses... this Duel isn't different at all, yet he's having fun... genuine fun and not one born from his sadistic nature... Amazing, is this a power humans have? A fun Duel...?

"Fun or not, I fight for an important reason... and therefore I won't lose!" Kismet reminded him. "My turn, draw! I activate the Magic Card D-Turnover from my hand, using its effect to destroy Dominateguy and target a card in my opponent's Magic and Trap Zone to destroy it! I use this to destroy Scarlet Blood!"

A card depicting Dystopiaguy unleashing a twister of wind from the open-part in its torso and destroying Swords of Revealing Light appeared. At the same time, Dominateguy turned into energy and was sucked into the card, which then unleashed a twister at the stated card, destroying it.

[Now Kirin is pretty much defenseless in battle...] Grim muttered.

"Dominateguy's last effect activates!" Kismet told. "When this Fusion Summoned card is destroyed, I can target 3 Level 9 or lower "Destiny HERO" Monsters in my Graveyard with different names and Special Summon them! Come on, Divineguy, Diskguy, and Dystopiaguy!"

A large GY Portal on the ground in front of him, from which the two familiar heroes emerged, accompanied by the very Monster he discarded on his first turn, it being a male humanoid with grey skin, wearing a blue suit on some parts of its body, and having disks attached to it.

Destiny HERO - Diskguy: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 300/DEF: 300/LV: 1

"Dystopiaguy's and Diskguy's effects activate!" Kismet stated. "Once per Duel, when Diskguy is Special Summoned from the Cemetary, I can draw two new cards! And when Dystopiaguy is Special Summoned, I can target one Level 4 or lower "Destiny HERO" in my Cemetary and inflicts its Attack as damage to you! Once again, I choose Drillguy's 1600 ATK! Squeeze Palm!"

The Fusion Monster fired another white sphere from its hand, this time hitting Bloody Talker and sending him skidding backwards as his body glitched in pain.

Bloody Talker: LP 2500 - 1600 = 900

"Not bad for the seventh Charisma..." Kioku scowled.

"Now, come on, my Circuit!" a Link Portal twirled out from behind Kismet. "The summoning conditions are two "HERO" Monster! I set Dreamguy and Diskguy in the Link Markers!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of green and grey wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to lit up. "Link Summon! Come on, Xtra HERO Wonder Driver!"

Emerging from the portal was a futuristic hero clad in a blue suit with some black parts and wearing clothing around his waist that was attached to a belt and had golden trims. Wonder Driver twirled the ornate staff in its hands before striking a pose, standing in the Extra Monster Zone on Kismet's right.

Xtra HERO Wonder Driver: Light/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1900/Link 2: Top, Bottom

"Another Xtra HERO!" Frog shouted. "I wonder what this one does..."

"I normal summon Destiny HERO - Decisionguy from my hand!" the Monster from before reappeared with its 1600 ATK under the Link Monster's Bottom Marker. "I activate Wonder Driver's effect! Since a HERO was summoned to its link, I target Polymerization in my Cemetary and set it!"

"He set a Fusion card... that means-" Kioku narrowed his eyes. "A Fusion Summon."

"That's right! But before that, I'll go even further! For the second time, come on, my Circuit!" another Link Portal appeared at those words. "The summoning conditions are two or more "HERO" Monster! I set Decisionguy and the Link 2 Wonder Driver!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of grey and blue wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to lit up. "Link Summon! Come on, Xtra HERO Dread Buster!"

Emerging from the portal was another futuristic hero, this one clad in black, grey, and Bordeaux armor with a large gun attached to its right arm. It gave a battle cry upon entering the battle where Wonder Driver was moments ago.

Xtra HERO Dread Buster: Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 2500/Link 3: Bottom-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right

[A Link 3 "Xtra HERO" Monster...] Grim took in the sight.

"Dread Buster's effect!" Kismet threw his hand forward. "This card and any "HERO" it points to gain 100 Attack for every "HERO" in my Cemetary with different names! Since I have six such Monsters in there, Dread Buster, Divineguy and Dystopiaguy it points to gain 600 Attack!"

His three heroes were surrounded by fiery auras and they gave a battle pose each.

(Dread Buster: ATK 2500→3100, Dystopiaguy: ATK 2800→3400, Divineguy: ATK 1600→2200)

"I also activate Dystopiaguy's Quick Effect!" Kismet exclaimed. "If this card's Attack is different from its original value, once per turn, I can target one card on the field and destroy it, then Dystopiaguy's Attack returns to normal!"

"But the Fusion Summoned Kirin cannot be destroyed by card effects!" Bloody Talker pointed out.

"That's why I'll destroy Cybenet Science! Do it, my Monster! Noble Justice!"

Following Kismet's words, Dystopiaguy placed its hands in front of it, forming a 'D' and a portion on its chest opened, sucking the said Trap into it and destroying it.

"He got rid of another card!" Pigeon gasped, amazed. "And he didn't even Battle yet!"

"Since Dread Buster's effect is a Continuous one, Dystopiaguy's Attack stays at 3400. Battle!" Kismet shouted. "Dread Buster, attack Kirin! Dread Zap!"

"I activate Cyberse Particle Holder's effect in my Graveyard!" Kioku abruptly stated. "By banishing this Continuous Trap from my Graveyard and sending the attacked Cyberse Majestic Kirin to the Graveyard, I end the Battle Phase and negate Dread Buster's effects until the next End Phase!"

[Protect us, my Cyberse!] Grim shouted as Kirin turned into golden particles that rained over Dread Buster, causing it to turn grey and grunt in pain as its powers vanished.

"What!?" Kismet gasped.

"Since its effect is negated, Dread Buster's effect ends and your Monsters' Attack Points return to normal." Bloody Talker chuckled. "Now that its Attack is back to normal, you can't use Dystopiaguy's effect at any timing on my next turn."

(Dread Buster: ATK 3100→2500, Dystopiaguy: ATK 3400→2800, Divineguy: ATK 2200→1600)

"He was thinking this far ahead...?" Kismet let out a sly smile. "This is really something out of the world... I end my turn!"

"Ore no turn! Draw!" Kioku announced, drawing Awakening from the Star Relic. "After this, two more cards remain until I break free from his deck-manipulation. From my hand, I activate the Spell Card Treasure Cards of Twilight, banishing the Light-attribute Kirin and the Dark-attribute Rewinder Dragon to draw two cards!"

After drawing his cards, Bloody Talker grinned. "Since my Life Points are now under 1000... The conditions have been set. I'll hit this guy with the power of a God! I activate the effect of Life Deus - Bloom in my hand: if I control no cards and my Life Points are 1000 or less, by discarding Bloom, I can target up to two Continuous Spell and/or Trap Cards in my Graveyard and place them face-up in my Spell and Trap Zone with their effects negated!"

"I choose, of course, Cybenet Science and Cybenet Deus Reality!" Kioku finished for him.

The female "Deus" Monster appeared on the field, flapping her wings to release a shower of pollen that fell on the ground. Moments later, the Continuous Spell and Trap erupted from the ground and Bloom vanished with a bow to her user.

"Next, since I have at least one Continuous Spell or Trap face-up in my Spell and Trap Zone, and my Life Points are 1000 or less, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" Kioku stated. "Come forth, Flame Deus - Ember!"

Emerging from a twister of flames was the medium sized male dragon with crimson scales that had several jet-black horns erupting from different parts of his body, yellow eyes, and circuits of magma burning along its body, claws, and talons. The dragon gave a long growl at the enemy.

Flame Deus - Ember: ATK 1400/DEF 600/LV: 4

"When Special Summoned this way, Ember's effect continues!" Bloody Talker told. "I Special Summon one Deus Flame Token to my field for every Continuous Spell or Trap face-up in my Spell and Trap Zone minus one! Because I have two such cards, I get one Token!"

Ember let loose of a roar, summoning a twister of flames around itself, from which a flaming copy of itself flew out.

Deus Flame Token: Fire/Cyberse/ATK: 400/DEF: 0/LV: 1

"Then, I activate Gale's effect from my Graveyard again, returning it to my hand. Now, I normal summon it!"

Following his words, Gale reappeared with a roar and its 1800 ATK.

"Kengen seyo, kekkon no tsuita sākitto!" a Link Portal opened above him. "The summoning conditions are one or more Cyberse! I set Deus Flame Token and Gale in the Link Markers!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of red and green wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to lit up. "Link Summon! Come forth, Multi-Headed Viper!"

Slithering out of the portal was the long and large snake with two heads, an indigo-colored body of energy, and with two crimson eyes, placed one above the other, on each of its foreheads. It was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Multi-Headed Viper: ATK 1200/Link 2: Right, Top

[Alright! Go, my partner!] Grim cheered on.

"I activate Ember's other effect!" Bloody Talker grinned wide at that. "By banishing the Level 2 Life Deus - Bloom from my Graveyard, her Level is added to Ember's!"

(Flame Deus - Ember: LV 4→6)

"The time has come!" he spread his arms wide, raising them towards the virtual sky. "For the amazing tactics and determination you've shown me, Kismet, I'll show you a God's power!"

"A God?" the Charisma Duelist's eyes widen in realization. "His Overdrive Monster!?"

Slowly, a dark aura surrounded Bloody Talker's feet, spiraling around his body and creating a small gust of wind that blew his hair upwards. When the aura got broad and moved quickly around him, the hacker's eyes glowed an eerie purple and his pupils slit, he lowered his arms and crossed them across his chest, forming an 'X', and his nails started glowing with the same eerie purple. At the same time, the highlights over his jumpsuit started glowing grey.

"The almighty power of Gods, open the gates that will lead me to the future and satisfy my bloodlust!" he chanted, raising his arms, still crossed over one another. The glow which surrounded his nails and eyes vanished and formed a wide circle. At the same time, above the hacker, the same ring materialized but ten times larger.

"Summoning Requirements! One Effect Monster, one Cyberse-type Link Monster, one Continuous Spell Card, and one Continuous Trap Card! Levels' sum: 10!"

After those words, inside the rings three more, smaller rings materialized, each glowing with a different color.

"The Effect Monster, Flame Deus - Ember, which is Level 6, set!" Bloody Talker cried out as Ember burst into particles of orange color and were sucked into his nails. He retraced the first ring in front of him with both his hands and the particles glued to his nails vanished, and the giant ring above him gained its first ring's color and it glowed brightly.

"The Cyberse Link Monster, Multi-Headed Viper, which is Link 2 and treated as Level 2, set!" he stated as the two-headed snake also burst into particles of dark blue light and covered his nails. The same thing from before was repeated and the second ring glowed.

"The Continuous Spell Card, Cybenet Deus Reality, treated as Level 1, set!" Kioku went on. "The Continuous Spell Trap, Cybenet Science, treated as Level 1, set!"

What happened to his Monsters happened to his Spell and Trap cards, and the remaining rings started glowing as well. Once all four rings were glowing, they started rotating at great speed, and a streak of those colors erupted from the giant ring and shot towards the sky, where it conjured five portal, glued to each other in a five-sided star formation.

"The God created by my father, destined to protect me in his place, manifest yourself! Lead me to victory! OVERDRIVE SUMMON! Grade 10! Deus Executioner of Darkness - Grangadez!"

Emerging from the rings was the anthropomorphic dragon, tall as Obelisk the Tormentor, covered in black scales with a vanilla neck, underbelly, and underside of his tail, and purple glowing eyes, long and wild hair colored brown, and a muscular body with two equally muscular wings that supported his whole body.

On the top of its head were two long horns colored white that curved backwards a little at their tips. The giant dragon wore dark grey armor around its shoulders, arms, and legs and was decorated with purple glowing circuits. His claws and talons were glowing with a crimson light, and two broadswords materialized in Grangadez's hands as he landed on the Extra Monster Zone.

Deus Executioner of Darkness - Grangadez: ATK 3500/DEF 3500/Grade: 10

"It's that new type of Summoning method!" Pigeon cried out.

"Battle!" Kioku pointed forward. "Go, Grangadez! Attack Xtra HERO Dread Buster! Kurayami kara no shobatsu - Twinpact Slash!"

"Th-The effect of Demise Urban!" Kismet found the power to speak. "I increase Dystopiaguy's Attack by 100, letting its effect activates! I target your Overdrive Monster, destroy it, and return my Ace's Attack to normal afterwards! Noble Justice!"

"Monsutā kōka hatsudō!" Bloody Talker pointed at the sky. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, by shuffling one Overdrive Material from the Charge Zone into my deck, until the End Phase of this turn, he will gain 500 Attack and won't be affected by other card effects! Darkness Veil!"

A small crack in the air appeared above his Duel Disk after those words, from which Flame Deus - Ember's card emerged. Bloody Talker took hold of it and placed it on top of his deck, which then auto-shuffled. At the same time, Grangadez roared as its body was surrounded by a dark aura.

(Grangadez: ATK 3500→4000, Dystopiaguy: ATK 2800→2900)

The Fusion Monster pointed its palm at the dragon as a small portion of it opened, sucking in the aura that surrounded Grangadez instead of the entire dragon.

"TAKE THIS!" Grangadez bellowed, swinging his swords down in unison, creating an X-shaped energy slash which headed for Dread Buster. As the attack connected, the hero exploded and Kismet was sent flying back while he cried out in pain.

Kismet: LP 2400 - 1500 = 900

[Their Life Points are equal now.] Grim narrowed his eyes. [But...]

"I set two cards face-down and end my turn." Kioku concluded.

(Grangadez: ATK 4000→3500)

After Kismet stood back up, Bloody Talker spoke up with his usual grin. "But don't think I'm done just yet. Grangadez's other effect activates during my End Phase! Kibō kara zetsubō e - The Destiny! Once per Duel, If my Life Points are 1000 or less, I have one or less cards in my hand, and Grangadez is in my Extra Monster Zone during the End Phase of the turn he was Overdrive Summoned... I skip my opponent's turn!"

"NO WAYYYY!" Pigeon and Frog cried out, hugging each other.

"You fought well up until now, but before a God, no one stands a chance." Kioku told, drawing the top card of his deck that glowed purple. "Ore no turn! Battle! Grangadez, attack Dystopiaguy and end this!"

"As you wish!" the Duel Monster nodded, charging his next attack.

"I... won't... lose," Kismet wheezed out, recovering from the last turn. "I... will... win... and save Chelsea! I activate the Trap Card D-Fusion!"

"What?" Bloody Talker's eyes widen. "A Fusion card during my turn!?"

"I send Dystopiaguy and Divineguy to the Cemetary and perform a Fusion Summon!" Kismet declared as his two Monsters turned into particles of red and blue light that swirled together. "Heroes that protect the unknown fate, become one and reign over the utopia's twilight! Fusion Summon! Come on! Destiny HERO - Duskutopiaguy!"

A twister of purple wind erupted from the whirlpool of particles and a hero flipped out of it, landing on the field with the sound of a droplet falling into water. It was a male humanoid being without a head, clad from head to toe in ornate gold armor under a black bodysuit that shone with intense light. It gave a loud battle cry upon entering the field in the Extra Monster Zone.

Destiny HERO - Duskutopiaguy: Dark/Warrior/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000/LV: 10

"You went from dystopia to utopia?" Kioku questioned. "Even then, my God is superior!"

"I'm not done yet! Demise Urban's effect!" Kismet reminded him. "I increase my Ace's evolved form by 100 Attack Points!"

(Duskutopiaguy: ATK 3000→3100)

"It's higher than Bloody Talker-sama's Overdrive Monster!" Frog and Pigeon cried out in shock.

"It isn't over yet! Grangadez's Quick Effect!" Kioku exclaimed over them. "Darkness Veil!"

After shuffling Multi-Headed Viper into his Extra Deck, his dragon was surrounded by the dark aura.

(Grangadez: ATK 3500→4000)

[Now our Monster's Attack is higher!] Grim pointed out with a smile.

"In that case... I activate Duskutopiaguy's Quick Effect!" Kismet gestured to his Monster. "Once per turn, I can target one Monster on the field and make it unable to be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn, along with making it so neither player takes battle damage involving that Monster! My choice is Duskutopiaguy itself! Anastasis Gleam!"

The Fusion Monster's hand started glowing and a golden barrier appeared around itself, shielding it from Grangadez's attack!

"This guy-!"

[He was able to defend against a God's attack!?] Grim finished for Bloody Talker, both of them shocked.

"Huh..." Kioku whispered. "Is this the power of siblings' bond? And to think I had such power myself but foolishly tried to avoid it..." He smiled and said louder so his opponent could hear. "So the power called 'bonds' can defy even Gods, can it? I place one card face-down and end my turn."

(Grangadez: ATK 4000→3500)

"I... did it?" Kismet's eyes widen. "I did it... I really did... I was able to withstand his ace in the hole!" He let out a smile himself. "It seems you've reached the end of the line! My turn! Draw! From my hand, I activate the Magic Card D-Indignation, targeting Duskutopiaguy with it. Through its effect, the targeted "Destiny HERO" Monster has its effects negated and gains 1000 Attack until my next Standby Phase!"

A card depicting a very enraged Destiny HERO - Dreadguy with glowing red eyes breaking out of the prison inside Clock Tower Prison appeared. At the same time, the 'D' on Duskutopiaguy started glowing brightly.

(Duskutopiaguy: ATK 3100→4100)

[Now Grangadez won't have higher Attack than Duskutopiaguy if Darkness Veil is used...] Grim grunted in annoyance. [But we'll still have Life Points if you use Darkness Veil.]

"Battle! Duskutopiaguy, attack Grangadez! At this moment, I activate the Trap Card D-Reproduction that I have set on my field!" a card showing Destiny HERO - Diamondguy reflecting the Mirror Force card appeared after those words. "During my turn only, I can activate this card to draw one card from my deck, and if it's a Trap Card which could be activated at this timing, I can send it to the Cemetary and apply it!"

"What card is he going for, Yamamoto-senpai?"

"Don't use my real name!" Frog snapped at Pigeon. "In any case, I don't have any ideas... let's hope he can pull it off and make another reversal!"

"Draw!" Kismet shouted, doing so in an overdramatic fashion. He revealed a Normal Trap showing Hope Magician surrounded by a holy aura shaped like Iris Magician. "The card I drew is Savior of Hope, a Trap Card which can be activated at this timing! Therefore, I send it to the Cemetary and use it! Through its effect, I draw one card from my deck since I have 1000 or less Life Points... and if I draw a Monster Card, a Monster I control in Attack Position will gain the drawn card's Attack Points until the End Phase!"

[He's leaving it to chance...] Grim muttered. [If he draws a Monster with 800 or more Attack, even with Darkness Veil, we would lose.]

"No. He isn't leaving it up to chance." Kioku told, confusing him. "He will draw it, I can feel it. The destined card to achieve victory."

"Oi, oi, whose side are you on!?" Bloody Talker fumed.

"Chelsea..." Kismet whispered, taking hold of his new card and thinking of his sister. "This is for you! DRAW!" after drawing again in an overdramatic way, he revealed his new card. "It's Destiny HERO - Doomguy with 1000 Attack! I send it to the Cemetary and have Duskutopiaguy gains its power!"

The Fusion Monster was surrounded by an aura shaped like Doomguy.

(Duskutopiaguy: ATK 4100→5100)

"I hate it when stuff like this happens...!" Bloody Talker gritted his teeth.

"Does that mean-"

"That Bloody Talker-sama loses!?" Frog finished for Piegon.

"Kismet, the resolve you've shown me is truly beautiful..." Kioku started. "But I won't give up either. I also have a new reason to fight... and that is to reunite with my sister! Trap Card open: Savior of Hope!"

"The same card as mine!?" Kismet's eyes widen. "That was the card after the ones I've manipulated...?"

"Since everyone knows its effect by now, I'll skip to the important point." Bloody Talker grinned. "Like you're fighting for your family so do I, therefore, I will draw the card I need to win!"

[Please...] Grim closed his eyes. [Let it be a good one...!]

"DRAW!" Kioku and Bloody Talker exclaimed in unison. After a couple of seconds, he revealed it to everyone. "I drew... White Dragon Wyverburster with 1700 Attack!"

The Overdrive Monster was surrounded by an aura shaped like Wyverburster.

(Grangadez: ATK 3500→5200)

"It has more Attack...!" Kismet cursed in his mind. He glanced at a card in his hand. "Since its effects are negated, I can't use Anastasis Gleam to protect Duskutopiaguy... I would lose my last line of defense! I have no choice but to use this... I activate the effect of Destiny HERO - Dynamiteguy in my hand, discarding it to negate the battle damage I would take... and inflict 1000 damage to both players!"

[What!?] Grim cried out.

"A DRAW!?" Frog and Piegon exclaimed.

Grangadez and Duskutopiaguy leaped forward, ready to exchange blows when, out of the blue, an explosion went off between them, blowing both Duel Monsters back and making them vanished as the flames reached their respective owners, knocking them to the ground!

Bloody Talker: LP 900 - 1000 = 0

Kismet: LP 900 - 1000 = 0

Winner: DRAW!

"I lost... to someone who isn't... Playmaker or Revolver...?"

Following Bloody Talker's shocked words he started laughing, not expecting such a result and having had a great time Dueling.

"Well, a draw isn't a loss nor a win, but the result was still lurid." Kioku smiled as he stood up, dusting himself off.

[I am happy you had a fun time after so long.] Grim said. [And that you were able to find a new will to fight.]

"I'm sorry, Chelsea..." Kismet whispered, slowly standing up himself. "If I wasn't able to win here, can I win against the other two...? Can I save you, Chelsea...?"

A notification popped up on his Duel Disk just then, surprising him. As he checked, it was 250000 yen sent to him by Bloody Talker!

"This much money..." Kismet's head spun at the other. "W-Why...?"

"I claimed a bounty once and I think that money is better off in your hands," Kioku explained. "I wouldn't want your sister to pass away because of my victory."

"And consider this a thank you for everything you've done for me, Hero of Destiny!" Bloody Talker winked. "I hope we will have another fun Duel someday... Bye-bye!"

That said, he logged out without another word. Frog and Pigeon did the same, happy to be the ones to record such a Duel.

Kismet gave a soft chuckle. "Bloody Talker is such mystery..." he said to on one, logging out as well.

---

IRL: At the Azumaya Oprhanage

As the kids were talking over the amazing Duel they just watched with a caretaker, Jeanne was sitting in a chair at the side with a brooding expression.

To think the child I looked after for almost eight years had a sister which no one knew about... thanks to Kismet you've attained a new conviction... but just how strong is it, Kioku?

She glanced at a Duel Disk on a nightstand beside her chair.

I believe it came. The last assistance I'll have to give you before you walk forward alone, Kioku.

---

IRL: At Kioku's apartment

Kioku suddenly sneezed. "Somebody must be thinking about me..." he muttered.

[Done.] Grim's voice said and he emerged from the Duel Disk. [I've sent a message to the others telling you're OK and everything sorted out.]

"Thanks, Grim." Bloody Talker grinned through Kioku.

[Hm? What are you doing?] Grim tilted his head to the side after seeing his partner working on his computer.

"A new avatar," Kioku explained. "Now that a novel conviction was born within me, I think the time has come for an upgrade. I already have some nice cards to add to my deck."

He pointed at the side and Grim saw a little black box that was opened and had a couple of very old cards in them, the most evident out of them was Gandora Cross the Dragon of Demolition.

[That's... the box Erika mentioned during the Duel.] Grim remembered. [You know the password now.]

Kioku nodded. "It was ERKI, which stands for the initial of Erika and Kioku. In any case, I'll see what to add and what not later. I'd like to finish my avatar now... can you give me a hand?"

[Of course, partner.]

---

Fan-made Cards/Skills:

Kismet:

Xtra Bond

Equip Spell

Target 1 "Xtra HERO" monster you control: Equip it to this card by declaring 1 "HERO" series; the equipped monster's name will also be treated as the declared one. Once per turn: Perform a Fusion Summon using monsters you control, including the equipped monster. The monster summoned by this effect will gain the effect(s) of a monster used for its summon until the End Phase. You can only activate 1 "Xtra Bond" per turn.

D-Turnover

Normal Spell

Destroy 1 "Destiny HERO" monster you control: Target 1 card in your opponent's Spell & Trap Zone; destroy it. You can only activate 1 "D-Turnover" per turn.

D-Indignation

Target 1 "Destiny HERO" monster you control: Its effects are negated and it gains 1000 ATK. These changes last until your next Standby Phase.

D-Reproduction

Normal Trap

Activate only during your turn: Draw 1 card and reveal it; if it is a Normal Trap which can be activated in this timing, you can send it to the GY and apply its effects. You can only activate 1 "D-Reproduction" per turn.

Savior of Hope

Normal Trap

If your LP is 1000 or less, draw 1 card. If it is a Monster Card, 1 monster you control in Attack Position will gain the drawn monster's ATK until the End Phase. You can only activate 1 "Savior of Hope" per turn.

Bloody Talker:

Wind Deus - Gale (Wind/Cyberse/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 0/LV: 4)

When Normal or Special Summoned, you can add 1 "Deus" monster from your deck to your hand. If this card is in your GY and you control a face-up Continuous Spell or Trap card: You can return this card to your hand. You can only use 1 "Wind Deus - Gale" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

[Trivia: concept made by Lindia Fullmoon.]

- Cyberse Particle Holder

Continuous Trap

Special Summon this card in Defense Position as an Effect Monster (DARK/Cyberse/ATK: 0/DEF: 1800/LV: 5). (This card is NOT treated as a Trap Card.) As long as you control this card summoned by its own effect, all effect damage you would take is halved. When a monster you control is attacked and this card in your GY: Banish it and send your monster to the GY; End the Battle Phase and negate the effects of the monster which attacked until the next End Phase.

- Cybenet Deus Reality

Continuous Spell

When a "Relativity" or "Deus" monster is summoned to your field, place 1 Reality Counter on this card. Once per turn, you can remove 2 Reality Counters from this card: 1 monster you control gains 500 ATK (as long as you control this card) until your next Standby Phase, even if it would be unaffected by this effect. When this card leaves the field by your opponent's card, you can draw 1 card. This card is unaffected by your "Relativity" monsters' effects. You can only control 1 "Cybenet Deus Reality" at a time.

---

This was a fun chapter to write, it was a blast writing this Duel! Kioku's deck vs. Destiny HEROes is a clash between two decks I love!

The 7th Charisma Duelist made its debut and left with a big impact, being able to end his Duel with Kioku in a draw. Apart from the reason that the ending would've been dull, there's an additional reason why I made it end this way, but that will be revealed way on.

Now that Kioku's over his crisis, he can battle with everything he's got again and even using a couple of old school cards like Ryoken! And in case some of you didn't understand well the different between Kioku and Bloody Talker (being his alter ego), technically, Kioku has Dissociative identity disorder (when somebody has two distinct personality states) which was born from the Lost Incident.

So when in the real world Bloody Talker speaks, he just speaks but through Kioku. But when in VRAINS and Kioku speaks, he does so through Bloody Talker- the opposite of before.

That being said, thanks for Lindia Fullmoon's Wind Deus - Gale! In the next chapter, Jeanne will have a Duel against Kioku! Stay tuned to see why.

The end between Lightning vs. Spectre was amazing, and the fact Lightning spared the Hanoi member at the end is everything but good news... Next up is Windy vs. Soulburner, curious to see how that plays out.

With that said, I'll see you all next time!

QOTC: What avatar would you give to Kioku?