"Hey, have you heard about Sigrún? She's one of the coolest Charisma Duelists out there!"
"I know right?! Her Crusadia monsters are amazing! Did you see her Duel against Blue Angel!"
"Of course I did! Blue Angel versus Sigrún was one of the hype-est Duels yet. I'd definitely want to see the rematch between them someday."
"What about Go Onizuka? Sure his Duels are quite entertaining."
"Go is Ranked Number 1 for a reason! While Go shows sportsmanship, Blue Angel has cuteness and Sigrún has charm! They are like the perfect trio."
"Man, I really wish they were like a family or something; that would be so awesome!"
"Seriously!?"
"Excuse me, but have you been listening to a world I've been saying?" The fixed eyes of a student became aware, enough to where a group of girls was looking at them.
This was another female student, one with dark green into a low ponytail with purple eyes for contrast. She was dressed like anyone else at the school, but something many could tell immediately was how messy and somewhat unkempt her hair was. That and the white medical mask on her face. In her hands was a camera, a very expensive one where the strands hung around her neck.
"Oh… sorry, did you say something?" She asked the group, in which the lead one only rolled her eyes while texting on her phone.
"Nothing! Geez, no wonder why people keep you outcasted." With that, the lead girl ran off.
"Yeah, like anyone would even try." Was just one of the countless other insults the rest spat.
Sighing, the sitting duelist gathered her things and stood up. Much to her own surprise, her backpack was covered in stickers. Decorations with a variety of insults or hurtless words on the white backpack. Grabbing it, she tore each one off. Not caring one bit for any damage to her own backpack. Tossing them into the trash can, she left the room.
Outside of the room, she kept walking. She didn't bother looking at anyone she bumped into. Apologizes slipping from her lips. The pace at which she walked caught the attention of others.
"Welcome home! How was school?" A male voice asked when Arisu entered the household, coming from a guy dressed up and exiting the kitchen. "Oh! Sorry for not tell you; work called in and I need to head over. So you're going to have dinner alone by yourself tonight. Morie is coming home late tonight. Can you make sure to clean up after yourself?"
"Okay. Sure thing." Monotone in response, she took off her shoes as she was finishing a hotdog.
"Did you go back to that hotdog truck on your way back here?" The male appeared and was surprised to see her chewing on the food. "I told you that you shouldn't go and buy dinner yourself. It is way too dangerous; just like Playmaker and VRAINS."
"I didn't. I got the snack serving." She rolled her eyes before taking a good look. "And VRAINS nor Playmaker are dangerous. The Knights of Hanoi are the problem. Also, your tie isn't right."
The brother was clearly older than Arisu and looked remarkably similar to her. He shared the same dark green in his hair, those more combed back and professional looking. His eyes were a light brown and suit was a light grey. Tie being redone, he had a call coming from the phone, but Arisu took no mind as she watched her brother rushing out the door and slamming it shut.
Grumbling, she dragged herself to lock it and go to her room. Opening it up, her room was a total disaster as she flung her bag across the room and onto her swirling chair. It was by her desk as she collapsed onto the bed. The last of the hotdog already consumed as her eyes went to the ceiling. A fan starting to spin and circulate air. Utter complete silence for her to just pause.
Arisu rolled over to the right side of her bed. Leaning over, she dug underneath and finally pulled out a Duel Disk. One beaten down and obviously an older model. Putting it to lean on the nightstand lamp, she waited. Staring, she heard something move on the nightstand. Her phone was ringing. Did she forget to bring it to school again? Not that it mattered anymore. The phone soon was in her hands as she answered the call.
"There you are! I've been trying to reach all day Arisu!" A female spoke on the other end so energetically. "How was your day? Did Habiki already leave for work again?"
Arisu tried to fake a smile. Though what would it matter? Her sister Morie on the other end couldn't see. Not without face-cam. It was a nice exercise to practice. Try and keep a positive attitude.
"Hey Morie, I'm okay. Habiki left for work again, so I got myself dinner. When are you coming home tonight?" Arisu mimicked how she heard her fellow student's sounded that day. Maybe then Morie wouldn't worry.
Arisu sighed hearing her sister laughing. Eyes duller as she fell back onto the bed.
"Work wants me to work a bit of overtime. Seems like something is going on, but they are paying me for overtime. So that means you might be able to sneak online and hang out with your buddies again." Morie seemed a bit teasing on the other end. "Besides, you know how to keep Habiki from finding out about your little secret, right?"
"I know… lying to my brother isn't good. Even hiding this away is betraying his trust." Her eyes closed. "But why do you get away with it and I can't? It is just isn't far. I don't even understand why he won't let me even log on."
"I wish I knew. But Habiki is supporting us so much. Tell you what, maybe next time both of us are home, I'll try and convince him to let you online. Maybe to watch one of my matches! That way if he sees how fine it is with me, he'll be more open to you Dueling on Link VRAINS. And not just, having the old model as our little secret. Who knows how he'll react to a girl's night of VRAINS? Seems like he'll have a heart attack if he found out you were hanging with guy friends."
Both sisters chuckled at the notion. It did not last long before Arisu was coughing. The mask was flung off, right into a trash bin filled with others. She rose up and grabbed something from her nightstand. There were a bottle and a smaller cup; some medicine she poured the amount listed. Nearby it was a water bottle, cap undone. In a moment Arisu chugged the medicine down before switching to the drink. She drank the whole thing before throwing it across the room. Heavy breaths, she covered her mouth as she reached for another mask. It was quickly placed over her mouth and nose.
Only then did Arisu start to breathe normally. She could faintly her Morie speaking. It took her a bit to grab the phone and put it back to her ear. "Arisu! Did you forget to take your medicine again? You know how your body acts when you miss a dosage."
"...Got it." The teenager groaned. "I just need a few minutes to relax and I'll be good."
"Just be careful. I'm not there to pull you out of VRAINS if you start to have another episode. Remember: You have a limited time before your symptoms act up. Don't stay on too long. I'll call you once I'm off work and heading home. Plus this is a school night. Later Arisu!"
The beeping signaled the end of the call. Her eyes focused on the device. A notification popped up and she opened her phone to check the message out. It was list as from COMPENDIUM.
[Hey Rosey! Everyone's basically got a break and we heard some live Duels are going to be going on. Been practicing for our rematch? ;p - Cross Nine]
She smiled and shook her head, texting a response back.
[Yeah, just got home. Give me a few minutes before I jump online. Just make sure you're not over-extending again or running the match late. - Rosey]
[Sure thing Rosey! Oh! Also, make sure to be your Rosey avatar. We're going to be in a public server. - Cross Nine]
"Deck Set! Into VRAINS!"
Entering VRAINS, Arisu's appearance changed to what her online avatar took the form of. From her smaller stature became a taller and larger version of the highschooler. Now appearing as the duelist Rosey, the avatar she uses when not on the clock. she had short bright red hair and bright blue eyes. No accessories in the hair, but her attire became that of a sleeved white blouse with brown pants that matched the boots. A transparent white cloth tied around to resemble a long flowing skirt. Around her wrists with flower bracelets; a totally and more similar design than that of Rosebud. Even her Duel Disk matched better. Don't forget the most important part: a rose pinned over her right breast.
"Yo Rosey!" A voice cried out, grabbing her attention and seeing a familiar group waiting down below.
"Look who decided to make it." One of the duelists lightly punched her shoulder.
"Nice seeing you two Pastrybee." Rosey rubbed it off, laughing a bit.
Pastrybee was the shortest member of the duelists there. Short walnut hair and brown eyes with a black headband sporting two long fake antennae. Her attire consisted of a yellow mini dress with long yellow and black striped socks that led into black mary jane shoes. Bee wings floating on her back and a honeycomb style duel disk. Pastrybee was one busy girl in real life. Apparently, she was working at a cafe her family owned.
"Been waiting for you. I've missed seeing you online." Pastrybee's wing fluttered. "Got a break from the shop to watch this duel."
"Yeah Rosey, it sucked not being able to watch you kick some ass." A familiar Duelist stepped up behind Pastrybee. "It is quite a show, I must say."
"I thought you hated when I get on a winning streak Rass," Rosey smirked at the male duelist.
"Well, it is not fun without a little competition." Rass tipped his hat.
"Are you sure? Is Cross Nine really that underperforming?" Pastrybee giggled.
"Hey! I am not!" Cross Nine exclaimed, causing the group so well.
Cross Nine was pretty easy to pick out by his grey hooded jacket with neon blue lining. The only thing that made him more recognizable was his gravity-defying blonde hair and silver eyes. Underneath his jacket was a blue jumpsuit with grey markings that even matched his high boots and duel disk. Though something Rosey knew was just how unique Cross Nine's avatar was - even to the small group. A little secret that he showed in special events. Too bad today wasn't a day where a Special Even was taking place.
"If anything, I'd like to have the chance to face Playmaker." Cross Nine stated to the group.
"Playmaker? You mean that hacker fighting the Knights of Hanoi?" Pastrybee inquired, her wings fluttering.
"Ah yes, that guy." Rosey rolled her eyes.
Playmaker was… somebody many - if not all - people of Link VRAINS knew about. The enigmatic hacker possessed an AI of sorts. Rather, a bargaining chip that both SOL Tec and the Knights of Hanoi sought after. This was a reason she took an interest in the real world. A third party like him shouldn't possess any grudge towards SOL Tec. Hanoi made sense, but this was another mystery she wished to investigate. Something she passed time with.
"What? Still not fancy over the latest white hat hacker?" Rass questioned the female.
"He's more like any other black hat. Whatever he's done, it doesn't prove to me he's an ally to anyone. Most likely some AWOL hacker from another group." She expressed her thoughts. "I consider him a threat until he proves otherwise."
"But you don't think he's with the Knights?" Rosey shook her head at the other female's question.
"If he was, he wouldn't be fighting them. Not with that much emotion. Unless he's an excellent actor as well." Cross Nine then noticed a screen popping up. "Yes! Blue Angel's going to begin dueling. Come on! I don't want to miss this!"
Everyone noticed the large yawn coming from Rosey. She stretched a bit before looking at a chair. Taking her seat.
"Serious, you need to not stay up late," Pastrybee stated aloud. "You'll work yourself to death."
"That and your attitude when sleep deprived was certainly… something last night." Rass added on.
Rosey glared daggers right at him. Her avatar was lucky to hide the bags under her eyes.
Blue Angel was truly an idol to behold amongst Charisma Duelists. This girl had a Trickstar deck the swept many off their feet. Her persona captivated many, and to think how so quickly her popularity rose. While not onto the same level as Go Onizuka, she won people over through her persona. Rosey knew this; she was there when Blue Angel was first rising up. That was a long time ago. Now they are on two completely separate paths.
"Get ready! This is the finale!" She declared, looking to the screen and performing her cutesy wink.
"Damn!" Her opponent sped off in front of her.
"Trickstar Holly Angel attacks you directly!" Her monster swung the weapon towards her opponent.
Blue Angel: 4000
Duelist: 300 - 0
{WINNER - BLUE ANGEL}
Cheering could be heard from her friends as she watched. Blue Angel being so charming on camera. The duel was as expected; nothing too out of place in regards to the combos. A winning strategy worked in the idol's favor.
"That's the end! You all behave until my next live show! See ya! Bye bye!" Blue Angel waved and vanished, logging out.
"Ah yes! Looks like I won the jackpot! Going to collect all that sweet cash tomorrow." Cross Nine pumped his fist into the air.
"Wait, are you gambling online again?" Rass asked his friend.
"Nah, I've been gambling with IRL people. SOL Tec doesn't give two shits if it doesn't happen on their servers." He explained. "Though it looks like I have to go. Sorry, I'll see you all next time!"
"Oh no, you don't!" Pastrybee grabbed his arm. "We all agreed to practice tonight. No expectations!"
"You can pick up your prizes later." Rass walked over. "Now, are we doing doubles in the private servers or singles here?"
"I think here should suffice. And Cross Nine and I need to practice some more." Rosey answered. "Unless you are willing to pay me what you're owing me for your Duel Disk."
"Fine! But this time I am going first." Cross Nine conceded.
"Alright! It is time for another round between Cross Nine and Rosey. Who will reign supreme?" Pastrybee announced.
"Bee, it is only us here; no need to make a spectacle of it," Rass noted.
"But it is more fun this way!" She pouted.
"Let's get this party started!" Cross Nine exclaimed.
"Time to Duel!" Rosey smiled.
"Let's go!"
[Master Duel - START!]
Cross Nine: 4000
Vs
Rosey: 4000
"I Normal Summon Amores of Prophecy and activate her ability. By revealing Spellbook Library of the Crescent, I can Special Summon another Spellcaster from my hand. Come forth, Charioteer of Prophecy!" Cross Nine summoned both his monsters to the field.
Amores of Prophecy: Level 3 EARTH Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 600 DEF: 2000
Charioteer of Prophecy: Level 4 WIND Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1800 DEF: 1300
"Alright! Seems like he's going all out for this first turn." Pastrybee eyes glistened with glee.
"This is the only the start of what I can do. I activate the Continuous Spell Spellbook Star from my hand. Then I play the Spellbook Library of the Crescent from my hand. You know what this does, right Rosey? I reveal The Grand Spellbook Tower, Spellbook of Wisdom and Spellbook of Eternity from my Deck. Now, choose one." Three cards were displayed before being flipped around. Out of Rosey's view.
"Fine, I choose the one on the right." Rosey sighed as the other two cards were shuffled back into the Deck.
Spellbook Star Hall Counters: 0 + 1 = 1
Amores of Prophecy: Level 3 EARTH Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 600 + 100 = 700 DEF: 2000
Charioteer of Prophecy: Level 4 WIND Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1800 + 100 = 1900 DEF: 1300
"Already he is setting up Star Hall. Guess that means he's going for a Link Summon right off the bat." Rass looked over to Rosey. "But that isn't too much of problem is Rosey got a decent hand."
"Ready for this Rosey? I call upon the circuits of evolution! Summoning conditions for this monster are two Spellcasters I set Amore and Charioteer to the Link Markers! Link Summon! Appear before us, Crowley the Origin of Prophecy!" The first Link Monster descended onto the field.
Crowley the Origin of Prophecy: LINK-2 DARK Spellcaster/Link/Effect ATK: 1000 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"Upon his Special Summon, Crowley allows me to reveal three more Spellbooks for you to choose: The cards I choose are Spellbook of Fate, Invocation Spellbook and Spellbook of Knowledge. Decide your destiny here!"
Rosey glanced at all three, now flipped and shuffled. "Okay, let's go with the middle one."
"Cross Nine still has three cards on his first turn. Maybe he actually did improve his playstyle." Pastrybee speculated.
"He would have a strong board if he could attack. Sadly he can't during his first turn. Though if he did get a Spellbook of Fate, Rosey might have to worry about a monster getting banished." Rass added on. "Though Star Hall might become an issue if she doesn't take care of it before it gets worse.
Crowley the Origin of Prophecy: LINK-2 DARK Spellcaster/Link/Effect ATK: 1000 + 100 = 1100 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"I will set two cards and end my turn. Now, show me how much you have improved!" Cross Nine held onto one card in his hand for the moment.
"Crowley most certainly be a bait. He wouldn't leave it out in the open for no reason." Pastrybee whispered. "You have to get around whatever he has for you Rosey."
"Oh, I'll show you! Time to show off some of my new combos. I activate Poison of the Old Man from my hand. The effect I choose is to inflict 800 damage to you directly." Rosey smiled as she played the Quick-Play Spell.
Cross Nine: 4000 - 800 = 3200
Vs
Rosey: 4000
"Next I Normal Summon Lonefire Blossom. Though it won't be here for long, for I use its ability to Special Summon a Plant Monster from my Deck. Bloom for us all, Queen Angel of Roses!" The smaller plant was soon replaced by a large feminine monster covered in red petals.
Queen Angel of Roses: Level 7 EARTH Plant/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 1300
"Already got one of your Ace monsters out so soon? Guess getting that Lonefire Blossom does improve your Deck. Too bad it won't save this Duel." Cross Nine taunted her.
"Are you so sure? Then watch this! I play Miracle Fertilizer to revive Lonefire Blossom! And once again Lonefire Blossom activates its effect: I Special Summon Aromage Bergamot. Not only that, but I also choose to activate Aroma Garden from my hand. And I choose to use its effect to gain 500 LP and all my plant monsters gain a boost in attack. Bergamot gains an even stronger boost due to its effect!"
Aromage Bergamot: Level 6 FIRE Plant/Effect ATK: 2400 + 500 + 1000 = 3900 DEF: 1800 + 1000 = 2800
Queen Angel of Roses: Level 7 EARTH Plant/Effect ATK: 2400 + 500 = 2900 DEF: 1300 + 500 = 1800
Cross Nine: 3200
Vs
Rosey: 4000 + 500 = 4500
"Now we fight! I attack your Crowley with Queen Angel!" Her monster charged forward, raising its weapon.
Cross Nine: 3200 - 1800 = 1400
Vs
Rosey: 4500
"You left yourself wide open now! Aromage Bergamot, attack him directly!" Rosey declared her attack.
"Huh? He let Crowley be destroyed? But I thought he usually protects Crowley." Pastrybee inquired before noticing one of the set cards. "Unless…! Oh no! She fell for it!"
"I'd never leave myself open for an attack this early! I activate my trap Dark Horizon! Since I took damage this turn: I can Special Summon a Dark Spellcaster from my Deck that attack equal or less than the damage I took. Since it was exactly 1800 damage, I choose to Special Summon Aleister the Invoker to the field in defense position!" The Spellcaster appeared in front of its master, blocking the attack.
Aleister the Invoker: Level 4 DARK Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1000 + 100 = 1100 DEF: 1800
"There it is! That's what I was thinking about." Pastrybee jumped around excitedly. "He knew that was going to happen!"
"Not that it will do any good," Rass said.
"Huh? Why's that?"
"Aromage Bergamot's ability while the user's LP are greater than their opponents: inflicting piercing battle damage. It is a reason why Bergamot is considered the strongest Aromage monster of the archetype."
"Then that would mean… Did Rosey already win the Duel in one turn?!"
"Like that'll happen. I use my other face-down Trap Invocation Spellbook!" The facedown was revealed. "With this, I can conduct a Fusion Summon using monsters in my hand as Fusion Materials! I choose to use the Aleister the Invoker on the field and Prophecy Destroyer in my hand!"
Invocation Spellbook
Normal Trap
Fusion Summon 1 "Invoked" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters in your hand or on your field as Fusion Material. If Summoning an "Invoked" Fusion Monster with a "Prophecy" Monster this way, you can send 1 "Spellbook" Spell from your Deck to the GY, and if you do, add 1 "The Book of Law" from your Deck or GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 "Invocation Spellbook" once per turn.
"Say what!?" Rosey exclaimed.
"When these two forces of darkness intertwine, they give birth to this monster! Fusion Summon! Take form, Invoked Caliga!" A Fusion Monster manifested on the field, letting out a roar as it did, stopping Bergamot from striking.
Invoked Caliga: Level 4 DARK Beast/Fusion/Effect ATK: 1000 DEF: 1800
"Ah! I nearly forgot you had that card. No wonder why you wanted to lure Rosey into attacking." Pastrybee jumped with joy.
"That isn't all, not only do I get to add a 'The Book of the Law' after sending a "Spellbook" Spell to the Graveyard, but Invoked Caliga only permits one attack per turn. So I'll be dropping The Grand Spellbook Tower into the Graveyard and picking up that Book." Cross Nine explained.
Rosey folded her arms before conceding, glancing at both cards in hand. "Fine, I'll end my turn there. Not bad Cross! Guess you weren't kidding when you went to get yourself some new cards for your Deck."
"Yeah, but it only the start of what I have in store for this Duel. I want to show you how much has changed since our last Duel. And I'll start here!" The Duelist drew a card, seeing it to be a monster. "Excellent! I Normal Summon Spellbook Magician of Prophecy. Since he was Normal Summoned, I get to add a "Spellbook" from my Deck to my hand. I choose to add Spellbook of Secrets to my hand."
Spellbook Magician of Prophecy: Level 2 WATER Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 500 + 100 = 600 DEF: 400 + 100 = 500
"Now I activate Spellbook of Secrets to search a Spellbook of Knowledge to add to my hand. And since I activated one of my "Spellbook" Spells, Star Hall gains another counter!"
Spellbook Star Hall Counters: 1 + 1 = 2
Spellbook Magician of Prophecy: Level 2 WATER Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 600 + 100 = 700 DEF: 500 + 100 = 600
"Then I activate Spellbook of Knowledge! By tributing Magician of Prophecy, I draw two cards and Star Hall gets another counter. Then I activate Prophecy Destroyer's ability from the Graveyard. By removing Spellbook of Knowledge, Spellbook of Secrets and Spellbook Library of the Crescent, I can Special Summon Prophecy Destroyer from my Graveyard."
Spellbook Star Hall Counters: 2 + 1 = 3
Prophecy Destroyer: Level 6 DARK Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 2500 + 300 = 2800 DEF: 1200
"Next I activate the Quick-Play Spell The Book of the Law! Watch as, before your eyes, Caliga morphs into Invoked Raidjin. And with this, Raidjin activates his ability: I flip your Aromage Bergamot face down." The transformed monster raised its sword, unleashing a lightning bolt that zapped the monster.
Invoked Raidjin: Level 5 WIND Warrior/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2200 DEF: 2400
"From my hand, I activate Spellbook of Power and Prophecy Destroyer gains 1000 ATK. Star Hall gains another counter as well thanks to this boost."
Spellbook Star Hall Counters: 3 + 1 = 4
Prophecy Destroyer: Level 6 DARK Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 2800 + 100 = 2900 DEF: 1200
"Now let's fight! I attack your face-down the Prophecy Destroyer!" The monster swung its blade, striking the card before it shattered. "And thanks to Spellbook of Power, I get to add a 'Spellbook' Spell from my Deck to my hand. I choose Spellbook of Mastery. But that won't all, for I attack Queen Angel of Roses with Invoked Raidjin!"
"Huh? But your monster doesn't have enough attack to outdo my monster!" Rosey stated
"I just don't play with only Spellbooks, I play the Quick-Play Spell Battle Fusion! My monster gains ATK equal to your monster during the fight. Now take this!"
Invoked Raidjin: Level 5 WIND Warrior/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2200 + 2900 = 5100 DEF: 2400
Cross Nine: 1400
Vs
Rosey: 4500 - 2200 = 2300
"Nice! Now that's a powerful strike; he took out both of her monsters." Pastrybee shouted. "You got this Cross!"
"How about that? Seems like I've improved quite a bit." Cross Nine smirked, finger rubbing under his nose a bit. "I don't rely just on Link Monsters like most people do these days."
"Not bad, not bad." Rosey nodded before glancing around. "So, shall we continue this Duel?"
Rass subdued a laugh. "Now, let's see what you have for this comeback Rosey."
"She doesn't have Aromage Bergamot or Queen Angel of Roses. How do you expect Rosey to play around this? Raidjin can flip a monster face-down; not really good for a Plant Deck like hers." Pastrybee asked, tilting her head.
"Let us watch and see. Surely this is a situation she is prepared for." Rass looked onward, to which Rosey had drawn her next card and was staring at it.
Invoked Raidjin: Level 5 WIND Warrior/Fusion/Effect ATK: 51 - 2900 = 2200 DEF: 2400
Rosey took a look at her hand. There was a way to win, one that seemingly blossomed in her eyes. She knew what to do and made her move.
"Okay, since you control a monster and I don't, I Special Summon Aromage Cinnamon from my hand!" Rosey started off her turn by the monster taking foot on the stage.
Aromage Cinnamon: Level 5 EARTH Plant/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 1700
"Like I'm allowing you to Special Summon another monster: I activate Raidjin's effect to flip your monster face-down and stop your effect!" The lightning struck her monster. "Now you won't be able to do anything."
"Really? Then why don't I show you this little trick? I activate the Spell Fragrance Storm. I destroy a Plant-Type monster on the field and draw 1 card, and if it a Plant-Type monster I draw another. I choose to tribute my face-down Aromage Cinnamon!" Rosey pointed as her monster vanished into petals.
"Huh? Fragrance Storm can target face-down monsters?! I never knew that!" Pastrybee shouted before Rosey smirked at what she drew.
"It seems as if the goddess of fortune favors me today. The card I drew is the Plant Monster Rose Fairy, so I draw another card. And since Rose Fairy was added to my hand by a card effect, it is Special Summoned."
Rose Fairy: Level 3 WIND Plant/Effect ATK: 600 DEF: 1200
"But, how can Rosey overcome Prophecy Destroyer? It almost has 3000 ATK and will probably grow even stronger next turn. If Rosey wants to win, she needs to win this turn. Or at least survive an attack from whatever Cross is cooking up." Rass shook his head as Pastrybee's comment. "Huh? What's up?"
"I think Rosey had got this matching set." He replied.
"Whatever do you mean? None of her monsters can get even close to that amount of attack that Prophecy Destroyer has. Not unless she drew an Aromage Bergamot to have Rose Fairy be a Tribute for."
"She doesn't have to Tribute a monster in order to win. Especially since she got the exactly Spell she needed. If anything, I think she wanted to bait Raidjin so this wouldn't backfire."
"Huh? How?! I don't like being kept in the dark Rass!"
"Then just quiet down and watch this Pastry! From my hand, I play the Equip Spell Mark of The Rose! Lonefire Blossom, you have served me well, but once you are banished your beauty will transcend onto the mark I bestow upon Prophecy Destroyer itself!" Rosey pointed at his monster, as upon the monster's armor, a red rose marking began to form.
"M-Mark of The Rose!? You drew that card!" Cross Nine gasped.
"And you know how this works, correct? When this mark is bestowed upon your monster, I take control of it. Thankfully, I don't need it for the boost in attack."
Prophecy Destroyer: Level 6 DARK Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 2900 - 400 = 2500 DEF: 1200
"Then I Summon Aromaseraphy Angelica from my hand. Manifest before me, roots of evolution! The Summoning conditions are that I control two Plant Monsters. I set Aromaseraphy Angelica and Rose Fairy to the Markers. Sprout your wings and take flight! Link Summon! Link 2, Aromaseraphy Jasmine!" The Link Portal opened up for a monster to appear, one that looked around excitedly before waving at Invoked Raidjin.
Aromaseraphy Jasmine: LINK-2 LIGHT Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 1800 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"There is it. And now, Cross is finished." Rass commented.
"How so? Just because she has a Link Monster doesn't mean it can outright beat my own monster!" Cross Nine shouted from his side of the field.
"Have you forgotten where I played your Prophecy Destroyer? It is in a zone Jasmine points to, and her ability allows me to Tribute it and Special Summon a Plant Monster from my Deck! The monster I choose to replace it with Aromage Rosemary. At the same time, I activate Aromaseraphy Angelica's ability from the Graveyard. Since my Life Points are higher, she Special Summons herself from the Graveyard."
Aromage Rosemary: Level 4 WATER Plant/Effect ATK: 1800 DEF: 700
Aromaseraphy Angelica: Level 1 LIGHT Plant/Tuner/Effect ATK: 0 DEF: 0
"Time to tune things up! I tune my Level 1 Angelica to my Level 4 Rosemary! Harmony of soothing aromas take hold and calm the raging battlefields! I call upon you! Synchro Summon! Let's go! Aromaseraphy Rosemary!" The Synchro monster appeared cheerfully before a blue aura was released from the monster. "And since my own Life Points are greater than your own, all Plant Monsters I control gain 500 ATK and DEF!"
Aromaseraphy Rosemary: Level 5 LIGHT Plant/Synchro/Effect ATK: 2000 + 500 = 2500 DEF: 900 + 500 = 1400
Aromaseraphy Jasmine: LINK-2 LIGHT Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 1800 + 500 = 2300 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"I don't even need to activate Aroma Gardens for this to go down! I attack your Fusion Monster with Aromaseraphy Jasmine. Let's go with Harmonizing Winds!" The Link Monster spun around happily, gathering its power before unleashing a stream toward the opposing monster.
Cross Nine: 1400 - 100 = 1300
Vs
Rosey: 2300
"Finish it now Aromaseraphy Rosemary! Holistic Healing!" Her other monster charged up a blue beam before unleashing it directly at Cross Nine. The Duelist wasn't sent flying back but fell to his knees instead.
Cross Nine: 1300 - 2500 = 0
Vs
Rosey: 2300
{WINNER - ROSEBUD}
Both the Plant monsters vanished as she walked over to Cross Nine. Taking in a deep breath, she looked down and smiled. "I am impressed Cross! You're getting better already."
"Hah! Says you; since when did you fix your Plant Deck anyway?" He playfully poked her shoulder as he got up, the other two observers coming toward them as well. "I could have won that Duel if you didn't get Mark of The Rose."
"I got lucky. If I hadn't gotten Rose Fairy after Fragrance Storm I would have lost. No doubt it."
"Well, I'd have to say both of you are doing wonders for improving yourselves. Cross, maybe don't go in so hard. Your Deck still needs to balance out quite a bit." Rass advised.
"Rosey, you did excellent there! But I should say this; I think restraining yourself, all the same, should work, but perhaps including Traps like Draining Force could help out. That way even if you are left in the open, you can regain LP and not be put at a disadvantage." Pastrybee mentioned. "Because I know you do prefer some more monsters, as to not have a complete Deck balanced of monsters, spells, and traps, but consider it, please. Your playing style falls apart once you lose the Life Point advantage. Someone like you could easily lose to Blue Angel."
"I know, but I don't care about that stuff. Idols like her aren't my thing." Rosey waved insensately.
"Oh? Are you saying I'm not good enough?"
"Hey! I'm not meaning to offend you! I just," Rosey trailed off a bit, trying to word her words correctly. "Don't have the best view of many Charisma Duelists."
"Enough talk! I want to test my Deck out some more." Cross Nine exclaimed. "So who's next?"
"Uh, guys… maybe we should call it for today." Rass opened up a screen, showing a map of the location with blinking dots closing in on our location. "Kind of forgot SOL hates it when people hack into the Summoning systems other than Link."
"Buzzkillers. Just because they hold the monopoly doesn't mean we can't use the other methods…" Cross Nine pouted.
"I can't get caught like this; otherwise my reputation is ruined!" Pastrybee groaned.
"Let's meet up another time on the private server. Then we won't have to worry about the Mods catching us having fun." Rass suggested.
Everyone nodded in agreement and logged off. Long before anyone could notice them or the records being wiped clear off the digital landscape.
The next day at school was fairly eventless. She got a message from her brother that he would be at work all day. Something about working on a project to meet a deadline. Morie was also occupied and would be at home after dinner. That meant another day of the network. Nobody was online and she hadn't gotten any contacts for jobs. A day of acting like a regular person. A boring day again, that is until she got home. Maybe she could do something productive after getting some food.
Sighing, she walked over to a food truck to get some food. Arisu did always get hungry after school. This food truck stand was a really good one, so she tried to visit it whenever her brother couldn't make dinner or something of the sort. Morie often brought Arisu to the vending around when she was little. Sadly, the selection had been all but reduced one food truck. One she was quite familiar with.
"Excuse me, can I have a hotdog and fries with a coffee?" She asked the vendor, pulling out her wallet for the cash.
"Ah, welcome back! I see you're ordering the usual." The older man joked but continued to get her order ready.
"What can I say? I like the usual." She smiled after getting the cash-out. "Okay, this should be enough. I think."
They thanked each other after exchanging the trade. Arisu decided to head on over to a bench, to sit down and eat. Placing her backpack aside, the teenager took off her mask and began eating her meal. Hotdog easily digestible, the french fries and coffee were paced out. The main reason was the camera. She caught sight of some interesting people and decided to take a few photos. Not like they'd make it anywhere public. Besides, she could pass it off for projects in the Photography club. Sure the area wasn't the most photogenic. What made up for where the people around.
Arisu was zooming in and out, looking around with her camera. She had taken a photo of a bird nearby when something caught her eye. Or rather somebody at a food truck. "Wait, why are Yusaku and he hanging out?"
She waited for a few minutes, only to find him purchasing a meal. Though something about them talking caught her attention. While his back was facing her, she took a quick photo. Only to look at it disappointedly, since neither subject was in a good position. "Bummer. Well, whatever it may be. It isn't my business. Guess I should start heading home."
Just then, the screen flickered on with a certain idol. It made her stop after making sure her camera was safely packed away.
"Hi! Everyone, I'm here!" Blue Angel graced the stage. "You there! And you there! Watch! I declare that I, Blue Angel, will duel Playmaker and win! Come out, Playmaker! C'mon! I know you're watching, Playmaker! Accept my challenge!"
Arisu finished her food, getting up and throwing back on the backpack. "What's her deal? Is Playmaker suddenly the most desirable guy or what?"
Arisu walked off. Determined to get home and load her photos for the day. By happenstance, both Den Academy students share a passing glance before leaving sight. Only Arisu quicken her pace, readjusting her mask a bit.
Yusaku and Arisu, living out two completely different lives. Playmaker and Rosebud, living a similar life within the confines of Link VRAINS. To Arisu and Yusaku, this chance of passing glances meant nothing. To Playmaker and Rosebud, this moment meant everything.
~ Next Time on VRAINS - Compendium ~
The online economy has gone up in flames after the incident with Blue Angel. Something Arisu nor Rosebud has a single interest in dealing with. When a job comes in to uncover Playmaker's identity, will she do it? Even if the client is an infamous bounty hunter?
Find out in Episode 3 - Den City Slumbering
Here comes the introduction of characters while unveiling Rosebud's true identity - Arisu Chinen. Joining her are the online friends she has made on Link VRAINS to spice things up that makeup Compendium: Cross Nine, Pastrybee and Rass. Rass was introduced in the last chapter, but he is a key part of Compendium as an operation. Consider him the vice-leader and co-founder.
Arisu has two avatars when she is on Link VRAINS. She uses Rosey as an alias when not a job. Otherwise, she uses the Rosebud persona. Her sister, Morie, is only aware of the Rosey avatar. Compendium members are the only ones aware of both Rosey and Rosebud.
One thing that I wanted to address here and somewhat early on is how the other Summoning methods are going to be introduced. Even though in canon, nobody dared to Summon from the Extra Deck except for Link Monsters. So here's the explanation. SOL Technologies hasn't publicly released a patch adding them in yet. But, of course, hackers on private servers found this out and modded their own Duel Disks to get around this. That is how I'm going to addressing the problem and I'm sticking with it.
For parts here on out, I'll be introducing a "Fun Facts" section for anything relating to the Chapter that I find interesting.
Fun facts
Cross Nine, while using a Spellbook/Invoked Deck, has to always have a card counter by his name every time I write this Duel. Simply because the Spellbook archetype relies heavily on what cards you have in hand. So I had to rewrite bits of this Duel to make sure all seemed consistent.
On Duel Links, Fragrance Storm can target Plant Monsters anywhere on the field, even if Set. The card basically can allow a player to tribute either player's Plant monsters. This is quite funny on Duel Links: you can basically pop your opponent's Aromage Bergamot and draw for free. So it is a funny trick to use if you have a Plant Deck. And the Spell completely allows for it! Since this was a thing in Duel Links, I'm applying the same logic here.
A quick shoutout to those who have already shown a bit of their support by either following and/or favoriting this story. Thank you to: Bboone, Diabolic Tracer, MaskedGamer, eletriuser, ringtaillemur0, and ThePLOThand. Now onto the first two reviews, I'll be responding to! Thank you both!
Diabolic Tracer -
While I do agree that Rosebud's transition was a bit jarring from the last scene to the Duel, that was my intent. I do have a scene I cut out kind of explaining what was going on, but it just didn't fit right. I may come back and put the scene back in. Once I figure out how to make that scene work.
And thank you for complimenting my first VRAINS Duel! Hearing that it was a fun Duel makes me more confident in how I'll be writing Duels. (Though for this Chapter's Duel, I might have to redo a few times once people like you point out errors.)
As for Aromage Cinnamon "stopping Rosebud from taking damage", what I was going with was this: Rosebud activates Aroma Remedies, which she must pay 1000 LP to activate. Spell Absorption activates, which normally has the player gain 500 LP. However, Aromage Cinnamon's effect says that whenever Rosebud gains LP, she gets double the amount. So 500 x 2 is 1000, which is the exact amount she paid. So, she didn't "technically" have to take damage. (I think I wasn't clear on that, but that's the logic I was using.)
ThePLOThand -
Thanks for the clarification of Spell Absorption. I'll be sure to fix those minor two errors. And as for Arc-VRAINS getting a few fun jabs at, ask and you shall receive! I have not a problem with that. Though it might happen in the near future.