In Den City, there was a quaint little coffee shop. It was stuck on a corner. Fable's Corner was the name it had gained over time. A simplistic design from the front. Logo for the shop was a white sheep with croissants as horns. Interior design was very relaxing browns and tans. Shelves were full of decorations and little dolls. Everything felt like a cozy home atmosphere. Inviting to those who entered its doors.
One such person was sitting at a table. Drinking from her order of Latte. The young woman was in her early twenties with bright blonde hair, barely brushing against her chin. She was clearly in a gym outfit. A grey headband pulled back her bangs, revealing her violet irises. A strappy medium-support pink sports bra exposed most of her athletic and tone body with grey compression capris. Pure white athletic shoes finished off her outfit, but underneath her gloves were white bandages wrapped around her hands.
Her hand reached for her phone ringing. Her plate of scones left unattended as she took the call.
"Hey, Arisu~! I'm guessing the class is out today?" The young woman inquired.
"Yep! I'm going to the Photography Club meeting. How was your workout?" Arisu happily asked on the other end.
"Oh you know, good as always! Habiki said he'll be at work finishing a project. Said it was important, so I'll be home tonight to cook you some dinner! When do you expect the club meeting to be over?"
"Um, the Club President said it would be over in about an hour. We are working on a college project for the yearbook. I'm more in charge of the design and cutting, but I did take a few pictures to add as well."
"Good for you! I'm so proud. Joining the photography club was one of the best decisions you have made this year. Make sure to get me a preview."
"But you'll see it at the end of the year, Morie."
"That doesn't mean I'm wanting to see what my little sis does to spice up that yearbook! I can rub that into Habiki's face all evening."
"I - Oh! Sorry, I got to go. Club meeting starting in a minute. Call you once I'm let out?"
"Of course! I just need to do a few things, but I'll be home by then. Have fun!" The young woman ended the call, gleefully smiling as she tapped her chin. "Now, whatever will I cook for dinner tonight?"
"Everyone! Thank you so much for making time for our club meeting today!" A male student spoke to the class. "Now, as you know, the Photography Club has asked us to help out with photos this year. They have asked us to create a collage for every class at school. Now it doesn't have to be done today, but I want us already collecting photos and preparing to submit ideas for the Yearbook Club. They have the final say on what designs make it into the yearbook. So, let get it started!"
Arisu nodded and soon got to work. While she wasn't entirely in charge of taking photos, her job was equally important. She had to weed out photos. Mainly to ensure the final selection fit with a presentable style. Sitting at a table, she looked at the folder filled with photos and began going through each page. This binder was full of photos, mainly from the third year class. Already there were some that certainly captured bouts of energy. Her hand reached out to grab one of those photos.
"That looks like a nice one. Think that's making it in?" Her hand recoiled back as she jolted. Startled back from another club student coming over to her table.
"Oh, um…. Hi." She waved slightly before going back to work. "And um, yes. I think this photo can work."
"Good. Hey, I don't think I ever got your name. I'm Takumi Suzuki." The club member extends his hand. "What is your name?"
Arisu was flustered, in pure confusion. But she gathered herself. "Me? I… I'm Arisu Chinen."
"Arisu Chinen. What a lovely name. Would you like some help?"
"Sure…" She nodded after pausing.
Takumi took the answer to sit down. Not too close to her; it seemed like he knew one thing about her. Though while he was opening a folder to check some photos out, Arisu used the chance to observe his appearance. His black hair seemed like a mullet; either it natural grew that way, or he had to style it every morning. Strangely enough, his yellow eyes popped out because of his natural hair color. He wore the standard male uniform, just like Arisu wore the female issued uniform. The only thing different from first glance was something black around his left wrist. She would have pressed more, but that would be too much. Besides, the bracelet could be hidden underneath the sleeves.
A strange guy this was, to ask to sit by her while everyone else kept distance between them. Still, it wouldn't hurt to make some small talk, right?
"So… why did you join the Photography Club?" She chooses a simple question. Had to create small talk somehow.
"Me? Well, that's simple. The Duel Club started to get boring and I wanted to do something other than talk about Link VRAINS. So, I thought this club would work. My parents wanted me to get out more and off screens. This club would also kind of be a good excuse to use the computer at home." Takumi answered honestly.
"Duel Club? You have a Deck?"
"Yeah. I got the old one my sister used before he went overseas. She got an internship and needed to focus on studies as well. So I was left in charge with her old Deck. Not that I mind; her Deck was pretty cool. Why, do you have a Deck?"
Arisu looked away, recalling how back home her Deck and Duel Disk were hidden in her room. "Kind of? I mean, my Deck isn't that special. That and my older brother doesn't allow me to play much of that game anymore."
"Why's that? The game's pretty harmless. As long as you avoid the right people."
Arisu pointed to her mask. "I have a health condition that prevents me from being online for excessive hours. Otherwise, I have to be hospitalized for a week to recover."
"Yikes! Sorry about asking…"
"No, it's fine. It is a reason why I keep my cards anyway. I may not be able to go on Link VRAINS, but I do enough things other than the game. Like photography. I have a feeling that if I can't play anymore, I can contribute in other ways."
The rest of the time, Takumi and Arisu continued to chat. They were getting work done and getting to know each other. Neither disclosed anything more personal. Though they did gossip about Charisma Duelists on Link VRAINS. Turns out a lot of them had baggage and things behind them. Enough to destroy careers were any of them were to be true. By the time they were finished, it was about time for everyone to get home. Takumi and Arisu were the last to leave the classroom and thankfully the last topic to talk about was a certain duo.
"So, let me get this straight. You think Playmaker is just an anti-social child and Blue Angel is a smug spoiled child?" Arisu asked as they left the classroom.
"Yeah, I know it is out there. But think about it: nobody social or busy in life would have time to create a program to capture whatever Playmaker has. Blue Angel as well: only somebody who is so stuck up their own butt would even act that way online." Takumi reasoned. "But it doesn't make want to Duel either of them. Then again, I would love to have a chance to Duel the Duelist Rosebud."
Arisu's eyes widen. Though not in surprise, but in being startled that he would talk about her - Rosebud! "Wha-Whatever do you mean? You seriously believe Rosebud exists?"
"Totally! While Playmaker may have only shown up recently and is getting internet-stream attention, Rosebud is the greatest urban myth on Link VRAINS. Said to be a mercenary of justice, she can take care of any mission you ask once you prove her worth. Rarely anyone has solid records of her being real. But with how much testimony is online, many believe Rosebud is real. Though, the methods of contacting her are unknown to all but a few." Takumi gossiped. "I would love to see if she really exists. The chance to Duel her would also be amazing. Wouldn't you think so?"
"Uh, sure… that is if she exists." Arisu decided to answer quickly before looking at the time. "Oh! Sorry I need to get home. My sister won't like it if I'm late for dinner."
"No problem! See you tomorrow Arisu!" Takumi started to run off, waving as he did.
Arisu swiftly heel-turned and began walking the other way. Sighing as she did, a hand reaching to her racing heart.
"That was a close one. If he started talking any further, I would have passed out. Though, how would anyone have a rumor about Rosebud? Guess that is something I have to do some research on back home."
"Oh? So we're talking with a Club Member? No wonder why you seem more chipper today. And a guy? Don't tell me you're already dating," Morie was walking over to the dining room table with two plates full of dinner. "I'm so proud of you!"
"Dating?! What? No!" Arisu shouted as she pulled out her medical mask. "We're not dating. Takumi and I just made small talk. That is all!"
"But you got yourself a friend at school. You should be proud of this!" The older sister sat down at the table. "So tell me, how is it hanging out with your friends? Not getting into any trouble, are you?"
"I… Of course not!" Arisu shouted before taking a few moments to poke her fork at the food. "...I mean, how could I if I'm just Rosey. Playmaker can do whatever he wants and people gush over him. Me? He's just some guy with a stick of up ass-!"
The blonde pointed her fork in front of the teen's mouth. "Language."
"Stick in his spine. I'm just grateful my friends and I haven't gotten under SOL's radar. If I got arrested for something on Link VRAINS, Habiki would never allow me near a computer again for the rest of my life! That and I don't want to get involved in this Playmaker drama with the Knights of Hanoi. I like to just hang out with my friends and Duel for fun. Is it so hard to have a fun, casual Duel that isn't about innocent lives being on the line? Is it even good?"
"I don't think this is entirely bad, but I agree on one thing. Playmaker and the Knights of Hanoi are making that online environment dangerous. My manager is being cautious about booking my next Duels for this reason. Things will escalate and I don't want you to get caught up in this mess. So you might have to stay off Link VRAINS until this whole deal with Playmaker blows over. Sound good?"
Arisu nodded after taking a bite of her meal. "Yeah. Sounds good."
Nighttime soon fell over Den City, and Arisu found herself lying in bed. Her sister was already snoozing in her room. She was only awake because of the media feed on her phone. Checking out forums talking about topics. One was about the disappearing forum threads of 'you-know-who.' Playmaker surely kept up with deleting anything that has his name attached to it. Made her wonder how he seemingly was doing it almost every hour or every day. At least for Rosebud, Arisu and Rass made sure to just keep it out of the public eye. Keeping up the identity of both Rosey and Rosebud was taxing. Without Rass, her career would not even exist. Though it was easy for her to play off Rosey and Rosebud as two different people.
Thinking of Rass, she scrolled through the forum and was surprised to find users talking about both Rosebud and Playmaker. Some were speculating that they might be the same person. A ridiculous idea; why would she want to take up a third identity? It wasn't entirely impossible. Anyone can change their appearance and gender if they so choose. Though, another pretending to be the opposite gender would have to possess a voice-modification microphone. Others had a different opinion: one that was keeping her awake at night. Rosebud should make Playmaker her next target.
No. Absolutely. No way. Not possible. Why would Rosebud go hunt down Playmaker? She would never do such a thing! Ugh, some people these days! Forum members who didn't know her thought Rosebud would sink that low. A reputation built over the years was on the line. Like Rosebud would even attempt to be in the same area as Playmaker.
Arisu didn't want to deal with any more rumors. So, she turned off her phone and went to bed.
In another household, Takumi arrived home to an empty house. Empty of any human life. A robotic servant came forward. Its blue form and yellow eyes seemingly activating the lights.
[Welcome home Young Master Suzuki. Your dinner is ready to be served.] It rolled on beside the young teenager, arms catching the discarded backpack with ease. [How was your day at school?]
"Okay, I guess… Are Mom and Dad out late again tonight?" He looked around, noticing the lack of noises in the house.
[Your parents went out to dinner. They didn't wish to invite you due to tonight being a school night. Do not fear Young Master Suzuki. Should anything arise, I have a direct line to the authorities-!]
"That's enough!"
He shouts silenced the robot. The silence that followed was broken but something falling onto the ground. Visibly tensing up, he looked back and saw a little girl. She was shaking, holding a blanket with messy dark hair. Light green eyes peeking out and draped in a white dress.
"Sueko!" He gasped, rushing over but stopping when he sees the flashlight on the ground.
[Lady Suzuki. You dropped your flashlight.] The robot rolled on over, dropping the backpack down and recovering the device.
Sueko didn't say anything. Glancing back and forth, she snatched the flashlight. Then she embraced her brother, crying into his shirt. Takumi hesitated for a second before embracing his sister. He noticed the trail from her room. A mess of blankets.
"Sueko… how about we go make your fort again? I forgot our playdate today, didn't I?" Takumi tried to switch the situation around.
[Master Suzuki, should I deliver dinner for both you and Lady Suzuki in her room? I shall begin preparations.] The robot turned away as Takumi lifted his sister.
He smiled, bringing her to her room and placing her at the bed. Takumi looked at his phone, but then back to the Blue Angel poster on the wall. Sueko was humming happily as she was pulling blankets back out. Blissfully aware of the tragedy that had befallen an angel.
"Rass, can I inquire as to why you began messaging me and I awoke to messages spanning my contacts?" Rosebud was in the bar, currently having a drink.
"Sorry, but it appears people started to request Rosebud's services after what aired - idol and hacker. You know what that was, right? The Playmaker versus Blue Angel Duel?" Rass replied, spinning his shot glass.
"Oh right, that… thing." She groaned, head resting on the counter. "Why can't these people understand that I'm not responsible for scanning Decks for weird cards?"
"Can you blame them?" The bartender came over. "Blue Angel's incident has caused quite a scare. Especially when the Knights of Hanoi are involved. With that glitch or whatever, people are starting to fear this entire platform. Some have already jumped ship."
"Really now? SOL ain't going to like this." Rass raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed. Many are wondering if they are going to start looking for ways of eliminating Playmaker and the Knights. They don't want to cause another Blue Angel incident. So the prospect of hiring bounty hunters and mercenaries from our side of the servers are becoming a popular idea. Many are itching for a chance to battle Playmaker."
"And not the Knights?"
"Nah. Nobody wants to touch them with a ten-foot pole. Playmaker, on the other hand, " A new female said aloud, from behind the two patrons. "Now, he is the talk of Link VRAINS to the public eye. Just as how Rosebud is the talk of the underside of Link VRAINS. Though, I never thought I'd see her in a bar drinking… is that apple cider?"
Rosebud lifted her head from the counter and looked behind her. There, both were greeted with a usual sight. Rass nearly dropped his shot glass. It was only caught by Rosebud shifting her nearly empty glass underneath the shot glass. Glass clacked together. The bar was mostly empty except for those four. Rosebud didn't need to think twice about who was here: a certain female treasure hunter. Oh how her sleep-deprived mind wasn't liking this. Not one bit.
"Ghost Girl… what brings you over here to this side of VRAINS?" Rosebud scanned the Duelist.
"This is quite a nice server you got here. No wonder why many people choose to come here." Ghost Girl said, walking over to the empty bar stool. "Mind if I join you?"
Rosebud wasn't having it. "What are you here for? There are a few reasons you would be here. And it isn't having a drink."
"Straight to the point I see. No wonder why most of your clients don't talk about you much. That aside, how about we get to the point? You see, I'm here with a job for you."
"A job?" Rosebud tilted her head. "Don't tell me… Listen. I understand how much Playmaker is a celebrity to the public. But if you are asking on behalf of another if I will challenge Playmaker, then it is simple. Hell. No."
"Duel Playmaker? Oh no, I'm not asking you to do that. In fact, this should be relatively easy." Ghost Girl seemed amused by the idea. Rosebud continued to observe, clearly perplexed by this behavior. "I need some assistance in ascertaining Playmaker's identity."
"So, you got a client who wants Playmaker? Sounds fishy if you ask me." Rass stand up in his seat. "Especially from you. Ghost Girl, you usually work alone, don't you? Why would you even come here? Let alone go through the trouble of finding this place. On a private server no less."
"Then, might I ask, are you here Rass? I didn't know you suddenly became her bodyguard. Let alone somebody with a criminal background like yours." Ghost Girl was clearly pressing buttons, for Rosebud could see one of the clenching fists of Rass.
"Enough Ghost Girl. Let me make this simple." Rosebud grabbed onto Rass' shoulder while she stepped off the bar stool. "We have a rule around these parts. Something your folk on the public servers doesn't play by. You what to cooperate? Then prove it. And no threats. You start making threats around here, and nobody will hesitant to eliminate you from the problem."
"You're speaking as if I wasn't apart of this side of VRAINS."
"Guess you forgot who you are speaking to." The bartender chuckled. "Rosebud isn't just a mercenary for hire. She's much more than that."
"I'm not exactly in the mood to listen anymore. Listen, you want me to help? Prove it to me by Speed Dueling Rass. You win, I'll help you out with the Playmaker buzz. You lose, you will return to your side of the program and never dare speak my name again, got it?"
"You guys can Speed Duel?" Ghost Girl raised a question.
"Oh trust us. They've been on these servers for a long while. Can't exactly keep them from these parts. So, you in or not? Otherwise, you can kindly screw yourself."
Rosebud couldn't believe what she was seeing. Ghost Girl had actually agreed to the terms. She could tell how amused the bartender was. She, on the other hand, was not. But hey, if it meant a free show for her, then she couldn't care less. Rass had some access to hijack a bit of a Data Windstream of whatever. They agreed to a Speed Duel. For some reason. She couldn't understand it all properly.
But they were about to begin. She would watch from inside, having another drink.
"Speed Duel!"
[SPEED DUEL - START!]
Ghost Girl: 4000
Vs
Rass: 4000
"I go first! I Summon Altergeist Marionetter from my hand!" The Spellcaster-monster appeared on the field. "When this card is summoned, I can select an 'Altergeist' Trap card in my Deck and set it. Then I set another card. I end my turn."
Altergeist Marionetter: Level 4 LIGHT Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1700
"My turn! Draw!" As Rass drew his card, the streak appeared as little electrical strikes zapping at his glove. "From my hand, I activate the Spell Gold Sarcophagus! With this, I banish a monster from my Deck face-up. The monster I choose Thunder Dragonroar and when it is banished, its effect activates! I Special Summon a 'Thunder Dragon' monster from my Deck in face-up defense position. I choose to bring out Thunder Dragondark!"
Thunder Dragondark: Level 5 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1500
A Thunder Dragon… so they really do exist. Ghost Girl observed the Thunder Monster as it was growling on the field.
"Next I Summon Batteryman Solar! And when it is summoned, I send a Thunder monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I choose to send Thunder Dragonmatrix! Now, Circuits align yourselves!" A Link Portal appeared above the field. "Arrowheads confirmed! The requirements are two Thunder Monsters. I set both Thunder Dragondark and Batteryman Solar into the markers. Link Summon! Come down, Some Summer Summoner!"
Some Summer Summoner: LINK-2 LIGHT Thunder/Link/Effect ATK: 1600 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"Thunder Dragondark's effect: when it is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add a 'Thunder Dragon' card from my Deck to my hand. I choose none other than Thunder Dragonhawk. Next, by banishing the Light Attribute Batteryman Solar and the Dark Attribute Thunder Dragondark, I Special Summon Thunder Dragonduo to the field." A two-headed dragon appeared, one side conducting white electricity and the other side dark electricity.
Thunder Dragonduo: Level 8 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 2800 DEF: 0
"I set two cards. Now we battle! I attack Altergeist Marionetter with Thunder Dragonduo! Duo Impact Thunder!" Both heads of the Thunder Dragon began to charge up, ready to attack.
"I activate Altergeist Kunquery's effect from my hand! I can Special Summon it and negate your attack!" Ghost Girl summoned the monster in defense mode.
Altergeist Kunquery: Level 5 EARTH Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 0 DEF: 2400
"Hah, but don't you know Dragonduo gains 300 ATK duo to that effect activating from the hand?"
"I am quite informed from rumors, but when the Special Summoned Kunquery is on my field, I can negate one of your cards' effect. I choose none other than Thunder Dragonduo." A grey aura surrounded his monster, causing the electricity to die out.
Rass cursed under his breath. Ghost Girl planned that out? Well, at least he had a card nobody was expecting. He eyed the monster and Spell card in his hand. "Not bad. I end my turn."
"My turn! I draw! I Summon a second Altergeist Marionetter! Due to Marionetter's effect. I select one Altergeist Trap card in my deck and set it!" Ghost Girl added a third card to the Spell/Trap Zone.
Altergeist Marionetter: Level 4 LIGHT Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1700
Rass knew he had to act carefully. He had to remove all three set cards if he wanted to win. That and preventing any of his monsters from having effects negated. One of his set cards could work. He just needed the perfect moment to activate it.
"I'm only getting started here! Just because you hold a rare Deck doesn't mean you should underestimate me! Open before me! The circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe!" A Link Portal appeared beneath her side of the field. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are at least two Altergeist monsters! I set two Marionetters and Kunquery in the Link Markers! Circuits combine! Link Summon! Appear, Link 3 Altergeist Primebanshee!" The Link Monster appeared, each one of the serpent-like heads moving about.
Altergeist Primebanshee: LINK-3 DARK Spellcaster/Link/Effect ATK: 2100 [MARKER(S): Right, Bottom and Bottom-Left]
"I activate the Trap card, Altergeist Materialization! I Special Summon Marionetter from my Graveyard! I'm not done yet! I activate the Continuous Trap, Altergeist Protocol! Then due to Altergeist Marionetter's effect, I send Altergeist Protocol to the Graveyard. Resurrect, Altergeist Marionetter!"
Altergeist Marionetter: Level 4 LIGHT Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1700
Altergeist Marionetter: Level 4 LIGHT Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1700
"I Tribute Marionetter to activate Primebanshee's effect! Once during each of our turns, I Special Summon an Altergeist from my Deck next to its Link. Appar, Altergeist Meluseek!"
Altergeist Meluseek: Level 1 WATER Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 500 DEF: 300
"I set one card. I'll win this Duel: Watch me!" Ghost Girl declared.
Rass looked on the field. Three Altergeist monsters; she must really want Rosebud to assist in this job. Too bad for her, he had exactly what he needed. He just had to play along.
"Altergeist Meluseek attacks you directly! Ectoplaster!" The Water-Attribute Spellcaster struck Rass.
Ghost Girl: 4000
Vs
Rass: 4000 - 500 = 3500
"Meluseek's additional effect! When it deals you battle damage, one card on your field goes to the Graveyard! Bye bye, Thunder Dragonduo!" The Effect monter vanished from the field.
"Altergeist Primebanshee attacks your monster!" Ghost Girl pointed at the Link Monster.
Rass smirked. "Well, thank you for that. You fell right into my Trap!"
"Huh?" Ghost Girl gasped.
"Some Summer Summoner's effect activates! I discard a card from my hand and target 1 'Thunder' monster in my Graveyard. I Special Summon Thunder Dragonduo to a zone my Link Monster points to!" The two-headed Dragon returned to the field.
Thunder Dragonduo: Level 8 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 2800 DEF: 0
"And why does that matter? Your Link Monster still lacks enough attack to survive!"
"Because of my Trap Card Thunder Dragon Judgement! I can only activate this when I Summon a 'Thunder Dragon' monster. It forces you to only attack my Thunder Dragon or end your turn." Rass revealed his Trap Card, displaying Thunder Dragondark letting out an electricity attack toward another monster.
Thunder Dragon Judgement
Normal Trap
Activate only when you Summon a "Thunder Dragon" monster(s). Your opponent cannot attack any other monsters, other than the Summoned Thunder Dragon. While this card is in your Graveyard: banish this card and add 1 "Thunder Dragon" Spell/Trap from your GY to your hand, except for "Thunder Dragon Judgement." You can only activate 1 effect of "Thunder Dragon Judgement" once per turn.
"Fine. I end my battle!" Ghost Girl relinquished her attack since none of her monsters would overpower Thunder Dragonduo.
Rass sighed in relief. He was lucky to have that Trap Card in his starting hand. Otherwise, he would have been screwed. If he had one monster, he could have witnessed a one-turned kill. The Thunder Dragon Duelist had to play carefully. Especially since he saw the sparks of electricity on his gloved hand.
"My turn! I draw!" He drew from his Deck.
"I activate the Continuous Trap, Altergeist Protocol!" Ghost Girl's Trap card began to glow. "I Tribute Meluseek to activate Altergeist Primebanshee's effect! I Special Summon an Altergeist from my Deck next to its Link. I Special Summon Altergeist Silquitous in defense position!"
Altergeist Silquitous: Level 2 WIND Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 800 DEF: 1500
"When Meluseek is sent to the Graveyard, I add one Altergeist in my Deck to my Hand. I add Altergeist Kunquery to my hand!"
Again, he knew Kunquery would stop an attack. So, he had to play around carefully. The card he drew could work out perfectly. All he needed to do was see exactly what she had in store. Especially since he was sure that she was unaware of his Skill.
"I activate my Continuous Trap Thunder Dragon Streamer. While this is on the field, none of my Thunder Dragon effects can be negated! Next, I discard Thunder Dragonhawk from my hand to activate its effect! I Special Summon one of my Thunder Dragons either in my Graveyard or face-up in my banished zone. I choose to Special Summon Thunder Dragonroar that I had sent to my banished zone! Thunder Dragonduo also gains 300 ATK because of Dragonhawk!"
Thunder Dragonroar: Level 6 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 2400 DEF: 0
Thunder Dragonduo: Level 8 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 2800 + 300 = 3100 DEF: 0
"Now Thunder Dragon Streamer effect comes into play. With Thunder Dragonroar being summoned, I can target 1 Spell or Trap on the field and destroy it by banishing a Thunder monster from my Deck. I banish a Thunder Dragondark to destroy your Altergeist Protocol! And since I banished Dragondark, I can add a Thunder Dragonduo to my hand." Ghost Girl's Continuous Trap was destroyed.
"Now, Circuits of the storm! Arrowheads confirmed! The Summoning conditions are that I control at least 2 Thunder monsters! I set the Link-2 Some Summer Summoner, Thunder Dragonroar and Thunder Dragonduo to the Link Markers! Link Summon! Descend, Link-4 Thunder Dragon Goliath!" A new Link Monster took the field, spawning a storm that started to consume the field.
Thunder Dragon Goliath: LINK-4 LIGHT Thunder/Link/Effect ATK: 2800 [MARKER(S): Left, Right, Bottom and Bottom-Right]
"What is this!?" Ghost Girl dodged a lightning strike, nearly hitting her.
"Got myself quite a fine beast if you ask me. And at this moment, Goliath's ability activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can use one of the effects of my Thunder Dragon's my Graveyard. Thunder Dragonmatrix ability activates so I increase Goliath's attack by 500, and then I can place this card on the top or bottom of my Deck. I place Dragonmatrix on the bottom of my Deck." Rass returned the card into his Deck as his dragon began to snarl.
Thunder Dragon Goliath: LINK-4 LIGHT Thunder/Link/Effect ATK: 2800 + 500 = 3300 [MARKER(S): Left, Right, Bottom and Bottom-Right]
Rass looked at his hand and smiled. Now he had a chance! "Once again, I activate Thunder Dragon Streamer's effect! I banish another copy of Thunder Dragonduo to destroy your last set card! Then by banishing my Light Attribute Thunder Dragonhawk and my Dark Attribute Thunder Dragonroar, I Special Summon my second Thunder Dragonduo from my hand!"
Thunder Dragonduo: Level 8 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 2800 DEF: 0
"I attack your Altergeist Primebanshee with Thunder Dragon Goliath!" Rass looked at the card in his hand. If he wanted to win, he had to summon the card. But if he did…
Rosebud, all the while was observing the Duel. She continued to drink her apple cider. The bartender begrudging out watching the Speed Duel match. He gave her a look and Rosebud sent him over more credits.
"Make sure to upgrade your security after this," Rosebud noted after sending a bit more money.
"Not a problem at all. Don't need to tell me twice." He responded.
"Are you so sure? I activate Altergeist Kunquery's effect from my hand! I can Special Summon it and negate your attack!" Ghost Girl summoned her monster in defense mode again. "And Altergeist Kunquery's effect will seal another one of your Thunder Dragons!"
Altergeist Kunquery: Level 5 EARTH Spellcaster/Effect ATK: 0 DEF: 2400
"Not this time! From my hand, I activate the effect of Thunder Dragon Ray!" Rass revealed the card in his hand. "By discarding this card, all Thunder Dragon monsters I control become immune to card effects until the end of the Battle Phase! Your Kunquery's effect won't stop this attack. Thunder Dragon Goliath - Conduction Thunder Destruction!"
Thunder Dragon Ray
Level 1 Attribute LIGHT
Thunder/Spirit/Effect
ATK: 0 DEF: 0
(Quick Effect): You can discard this card, and if you do; all "Thunder Dragons" you control becomes unaffected by card effects until the end of the turn. This card cannot be Special Summoned. This card returns to its owner's hand during the End Phase of the turn it is Normal Summoned or flipped face-up. If this card is banished, or sent from the field to the GY: All "Thunder Dragon" monsters you control gain 500 ATK. You can only use 1 "Thunder Dragonray" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
A bright light seemingly shielded his monster. It almost appeared like a young girl. Created by the electricity wearing a Thunder Dragonhide. She protected the Link Monster; monster ready t continue its attack. The Link Monster unleashed its charged attack, the beam of lightning piercing through the monster and nearly striking Ghost Girl.
Ghost Girl: 4000 - 1200 = 2800
Vs
Rass: 3500
"Because you activated an effect from your hand as I did with Thunder Dragon Ray, Thunder Dragonduo gains 600 ATK. This will finish it! Thunder Dragonduo - Dual Electrocution!" Rass declared.
Thunder Dragonduo: Level 8 DARK Thunder/Effect ATK: 2800 + 600 = 3400 DEF: 0
Ghost Girl: 2800 - 3400 = 0
Vs
Rass: 3500
Winner! - Rass
Rosebud was having another shot glass. That victory did settle a hint of worry; even if it wasn't directly her own. The two Duelists had returned. The little jingle of the door echoed the otherwise white noise of the bar. She didn't bother going to directly respond. The bet was settled, but the prospect of knowing Playmaker's identity was intriguing. So, she knew exactly what to say when Ghost Girl returned.
"Tell you what. I'm feeling a bit more generous today after that Duel. So here's the deal; I'll see what I can dig up about Playmaker, and in return, you get me access into the SOL Technologies' Data Bank!"
"You're still going to do the request?" Everyone except for the Aromage Duelist was shocked by the girl's statement.
"Having Playmaker's identity would be a fortune, no? I could just hold it at ransom to whoever is willing to drop their money. That and… I may or may not have some business with him." Rosebud placed the empty glass back on the countertop. "Just give me some time; Playmaker barely leaves a trace, but I probably get you some leads in due time."
Ghost Girl must have been smiling underneath her mask. She thanked Rosebud before departing. Rass and the bartender exchanged looks. The female hacker scooted out of her stool, landing down. Then she opened one of her palms.
"...You're not actually doing it, are you?" The bartender chuckled, seeing the petals forming a rose in the female's hand.
"Fuck no. I know her connection to SOL Technologies the moment she came inside. Besides, she should know never to provoke thorns." The rose in her hand seemingly pulsed with energy, its thorns glowing. "How much do you think Ghost Girl's information would be worth? I can just give her some information on other guys and she can go on her merry way."
"But what business do you have in the SOL Data Bank? I don't recall you ever want to go there."
Rosebud paused. In the petals, she saw a flowery field. A flickering recollection of her past. One where a group of students was happy in the field. Only to replace by a field of death where her younger self stood drenched in despair. She shut her eyes, forcing those memories back and far away.
"They hold the connection that I need. The only one left about the connection wiped their history off the face of the Earth. If anyone has contact to that person, it's them." Rosebud opened her eyes, the rose vanishing into data.
She flinched, feeling a wave of nausea hit her. This was too much time for her already? Damn, she needed to get out and rest up. "I'm logging out. Might have to take a break; let the others know, okay?"
~ Next Time on ~
~ VRAINS - COMPENDIUM ~
After Ghost Girl's defeat by Rass, things for the hackers haven't seemed to calm down. After the Blue Angel incident, the rest of Compendium get a request to handle a rogue Duelist running amok the private servers. It is up to Rass, Cross Nine and Pastrybee to handle the case. With Rosebud taking the day off, can the trio stop the Rogue Duelist?
Find out in Episode 4 - Rogue Solarflare
Hello everyone and thank you all for reading this episode. Quick note: I added an extra scene to Episode 1, in order to make the transition to the Duel a bit more than just a cut and drop. And I did some minor fixes to Episode 2 as well. Check them out if you want; nothing major plot-wise was changed. Only a bit of foreshadowing and stuff was edited. That and bits of Dueling were fixed; sometimes that happens but they should all be fixed now!
We got a few things with this episode. Morie got a little introduction, Arisu met Takumi in Photography Club and Rass got to Duel! I wanted Arisu to have a friend at school that wasn't somebody like Aoi or Naoki (since it wouldn't make character-sense in lore) so we have Takumi filling that role.
Also oops, I uploaded this chapter without the edits! Now it should be the correct version! Sorry about that.
Fun facts
Originally I had planned Rosebud to Duel Ghost Girl. Though that would have left Rass on the sidelines. So I decided to change it to reveal Rass' archetype of Thunder Dragons! Even though this is more of Fusion Archetype, I felt like it was befitting of Rass as a person. Rosebud was also supposed to be talking more during the Duel. However, I chose to leave her out of most of it, since it would have done nothing.
Thunder Dragon Ray is technical *not* apart of the Thunder Dragon archetype. At least in terms of the new way of support that they received. At least for the main deck monsters. Otherwise, the monster's name would have been Thunder Dragonray.
To those of you who have followed and/or favorited, I'd like to give you all a thank you: ChaosMedivalDukemon, And then the sky, and Romadrox8975!