"This is the end for you! I declare my battle with Crusadia Regulex! Champion's Blaze!" A lion lunged at a monster, instantly burning it to flames.
"Well, would you look at that!" The camera zoomed out, revealing Siren and Rampage with a Duel that had just ended. "Sigrun has once again slain her opponent! The fierce warrior of VRAINS has been on a winning streak lately."
"You got that right! Sigrun, being Link VRAINS' Number 3 Charisma Duelist has earned her place in history. And we got a Special Interview with Sigrun coming up next. Right after this commercial break!" Rampage exclaimed.
The screen flickers and changes. Right after the commercial, the interview came on. A talk-show style with Siren sitting with Sigrun. The Crusadia Duelist had long green hair with braided bangs on each side. Her head was decorated with a silver crown with her extended elven ears pierced. She wore a brown grown with grey gloves, feather ends with silver jewelry decorating her form. Sigrun had bright brown eyes and a beautiful face.
"Welcome back and I'm Siren, here with an exclusive interview with Link VRAINS Number 3 Charisma Duelist - Sirgun!" Siren glanced over to the guest, brightly smiling. "So tell me Sigrun, how does it feeling being where you are? Surely having so many eyes on you is a bit overwhelming at times."
Sigrun laughed a bit. "It is quite a feeling, let me tell you that. To think that so many people would enjoy my Dueling style is but an honor in my book. I am humbled to be where I am. Without my fans, I couldn't have done this."
"Of course! Everyone knows how valuable and vocal your fans can be. At your recent streak of victories, you can soon find yourself becoming the Top Charisma Duelist of Link VRAINS. How would you feel if you stole the crown from Go Onizuka?"
"Me? Number 1? Oh please don't flatter me, Siren. I am quite content where I am. But if Go doesn't get his act together, I might steal that crown from his shoulders."
"Indeed. But I do have a pressing question many of Link VRAINS have. With the recent incidents involve Playmaker defeating both Go Onizuka and Blue Angel alongside the possible reveal of Rosebud's existence, how would you feel with either of them stealing the spotlight by acting lawlessly?" Siren asked, showcasing the leaked footage of Rosebud's Duel. "How do you feel this will impact Link VRAINS as a whole.
Sigrun pondered a bit. Slowly, she tapped her chin. A heel of her shoe dug into the carpeted grown. Her statement came soon afterward. "To me, the fact that SOL has yet to pursue any action against the Knights is troubling. That much is certain. Having them crash Duels damages the overall image and reputation our community has. Yet to think that Rosebud and Playmaker fight them… I am not at all surprised."
"What!? How so?!"
"Our community taking action to report and get SOL to deal with the problem comes first. By no means do I support them for taking the law into their hands. Attacking two innocent Charisma Duelists and SOL employee doesn't clear their names after what they had done. I would like to see both Playmaker and Rosebud brought before a court of law for their actions. Their actions are threatening our community. If it isn't handled, we could see the death of this platform for all. Count on that."
Morie entered the house, locking the door behind her as she hung her keys. "Arisu! I'm home early today!"
"Morie?" She heard her sister call from the bathroom, walking out seemingly right after a shower. "I thought you were coming back later?"
"Yeah, I was, but my interviews were short today so I got to go home sooner." Morie embraced her sister, kissing her on the cheek. "How are you doing? Your medicine keeping everything in check?"
Arisu nodded, walking to her room after being let go. "Yep. Habiki isn't coming home until like eight tonight. I need to get ready for bed."
"Bed? It is only six o'clock," Morie questioned, seeing the digital clock in the kitchen. "Are you feeling alright? You didn't pass out while I was out, did you?"
"No! I'm fine, I'm just… tired. I'm just going to lay down for a bit. Didn't get much sleep." Arisu began to close the door to her room. "Night."
Morie was unsure about what to do. She checked her messages on the phone. Nothing from Habiki saying anything. The blonde could have intruded, but what kind of sister would she be? Morie knew her boundaries. Perhaps later that night, she could speak to Habiki about this? Did she say something wrong? No, it couldn't be… Arisu was only Rosey. Nothing more. A dying rose being tended to fully rejuvenate after being potted in dead soil.
Arisu sighed, hearing the fading footsteps of her sister as Arisu flung the towel into the hamper. She quickly changed into pajamas, not wanting to be completely lying to her sister. Honestly, Arisu was feeling more tired than usual. It was getting close to that time of the month, anyway. The time she dreaded. There had to be a way around it. Something to make it more bearable.
Staring at the ceiling, Arisu just sunk more into her bed. She really didn't want to do anything. Besides, what would really matter? She didn't exactly have a true voice, did she? An outstretched hand, envisioning grasping onto something. Something more comforting than the existence she was living now. Easier to dissect than life or endless pools of code.
She rolled to her side. The teenager looking at the digital alarm clock. Taking a chance, she checked her phone and noticed a message. One unknown directed at Rosebud. Getting up, she opened it up and noticed the writing. It was Ghost Girl.
[Saw your Duel against Nero. Never knew you were that type of gal. Would you mind coming to Link VRAINS? I got your backdoor program ready. Remember our deal? Plus, I might have some found something to put some content to what Nero accused you of. Oh, and come to the public side of VRAINS. Think that this might be worth your time. - Ghost Girl]
[P.S. Don't worry. I'll delete this conversation once our business is through. - Ghost Girl]
Rosebud groaned, having logged onto a public server as herself. Though, she wasn't all alone. She had an earpiece on, connected to Rass. While he wasn't able to log in, he could still provide her support. Something he gladly assists her with.
"Ghost Girl wanted to meet you on the public side? Sounds fishy to me." Rass expressed his concerns as Rosebud noticed the winds flowing through the server.
"Well, I can't ignore her; I made a deal after all." She replied, hopping onto her D-Board and riding toward the location. "She also said she might have information on what Nero meant."
"About your Duel Disk harboring an Ignis? I thought I ran through it and found nothing?"
"Me too. But if Ghost Girl has some answers, I'm taking it." Rosebud noticed a figure on a rooftop. "Speaking of which, I found her. I'll chat after we have the encounter. Keep your mouth shut."
"Ah, Rosebud! I'm happy to see you." Ghost Girl smiled as Rosebud hopped off her ride. "I thought you wouldn't reply."
"You have some nerve going to my work contact, but I'm not too mad. We have a deal after all. I got your information that relates to Playmaker's possibly identity." Rosebud folded her arms. "You didn't send Nero after me, did you?"
"What? Me!? Honey no, I have no reason to do that unless I got paid. Wouldn't exactly be my kind of tea to spill considering your type of work. Care to exchange now?" Ghost Girl manifested a strange chip, throwing it to the teenager as Rosebud tossed over the data sphere of information.
Rosebud caught it, eyes widening as she deposited it into her inventory. "Is this it?"
"That is a copy of the backdoor program I made to the SOL Tec Data Bank. Exactly what you ordered."
Rosebud's eyes widen "Heh… not bad. Usually, it takes people like you for a month. Something motivates you?"
"You see, I got really interested during that Duel because of Nero. He has such a high-profile in SOL, but he lost to you? Seemed pretty purposeful if you ask me." Ghost Girl explained, pulling up some of the footage. "It almost appeared like he wanted to lose. After he found something."
"He… wanted to lose?" That had never crossed her mind before. Nero wanted to lose? She was a bit too pissed off to think correctly. How could she miss such a thing? "Why would they be interested in me?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but considering how they're acting… I would like to know as well. It is strange how SOL is only taking an interest in your now. At the same time as Playmaker, no less. I couldn't find much publicly, but if there will be any information, it would be there."
"I see… thank you." Rosebud started to smile but stopped. This was a professional business exchange after all. "Just remember to delete my contacts from your history, okay?"
"No worries! Besides, it wouldn't exactly fit us to be on opposing sides, would it?"
Rosebud turned and hopped onto her D-Board. She had quickly sent the small yellow program over to Rass. "Got all that Rass?"
"Sure did. Never did think she'd want us to get data on anyone else other than Playmaker. But, I'm not complaining. At long as she doesn't tell the feds, things will be fine. This program, however, is pretty clever for her talents."
"How clever is that?"
"Clever as in passable with a few holes here and there. I can modify a few things and make us cloaking devices in case SOL has extra security. Won't take me more than two hours." Rass was typing away, something she could hear. "But, what about the thing with Nero? Are you going to go into the SOL Data Bank for yourself?"
There was a pregnant silence.
"I… don't have a choice. If Nero did bait me out, I need to find out why. Even if it risks me. Then again, it isn't like I'm in the best standing with SOL anyway…"
"Then you are not going alone… If anything-! Rosebud look out!"
The winds suddenly picked up, her D-Board nearly knocking her off as she nearly fell into it. Thankfully she grabbed the edge of the board, which remained balance. Growling, she pulled herself and looked back. What she said made her heart go cold.
"Found you." Solarflare stood up, a slight grin on his face. "You are a hard girl to find."
"You-!" Rosebud cut herself off; what was he doing here? "Don't tell me Ghost Girl sold me out."
"Ghost Girl? Doesn't matter to me. I've been waiting for the moment you logged on." He activated his Duel Disk, a faint glow to his eyes. "And you're not escaping until you've given back what is mine."
"What is yours? Is that about the Ignis deal Nero said?!" She couldn't believe that even this guy was believing a rumor. "Whatever it is that you want, I don't have it! So why don't you buzz off-!?"
"Rosebud!" She heard Rass shout over the coms, barely missing the blast of burning light.
"I won't allow you to get away. Not until you give back what is mine!" He declared.
The green-haired Duelist sighed. Was she really going to Duel him? Not like she had a choice anymore. Not when she could suddenly sense one of the dragons flying by. A growling warning her not to flee.
"You are making a terrible mistake, but I won't back down if you want a Duel." She complied, activating her own Duel Disk. "And maybe through that, you'll understand exactly what I mean."
"Please. I'll be taking back what is mine. That and I'll burn whatever remains."
"We'll see about that!"
"Speed Duel!" Both of them sped off, beginning the Duel.
[SPEED DUEL - BEGIN!]
Solarflare: 4000
Vs
Rosebud: 4000
"I can't believe you are doing this," Rass said on the other end. "If you must, then I'll try and assist you with what data I have on Photon and Galaxy Cards. That way, you have a better chance of beating this idiot."
"Yeah, and I can get revenge for Pastrybee." She muttered under her breath.
"I will begin! I begin by playing the Spell Photon Sanctuary. With this, I Special Summon two 'Photon' Tokens in defense. But they won't be here for long. With these two, I release both tokens to Special Summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" Both spheres of light vanished from the field.
The token's lights soon began to spiral, before taking the form of a portal-like circular gateway. It didn't last long. Tearing through the data-scape, the galactic dragon tore right through the threads of reality, appearing on the other side. The token's lights vanished, being absorbed as the monster let out its cry. It eyes full of a bright galaxy as bladed wings glistened with light.
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: Level 8 LIGHT Dragon/Effect ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500
The cry of Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon set a ripple across the server. Solarflare was the least phased by it. Rosebud's eyes widen, feeling a surge of something past right by her. It was a bright, burning wave that licked its way past her.
Elsewhere, the effects of Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon's cries could be felt.
The nighttime staff of SOL Technologies was suddenly awoken to a massive overload of the server. Staff working furiously to try and contain the massive spike of power before it destroyed the servers.
The Knights of Hanoi were alerted to the presence almost immediately. Revolver awoke in the real world to the news. The alert made him log onto the Hanoi's base. There, he was met with a screen showcasing the Duel. Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon's presence onscreen was the main eyecatcher.
The event transpiring in Link VRAINS caught a certain hacker's attention. His Link Sense alerted him to the dragon's cry. Yusaku sees the Duel in a sense. A bright, shimmering dragon that was unrecognizable. Yet somehow pulsating energy he could feel. He felt as if the dragon was taunting him to enter Link VRAINS. The only question was would he even go?
Rosebud didn't know exactly why, but something about the monster felt off. She could immediately something unnatural about it. But why only now did it feel that way? Pastrybee never told her anything like this before. Either way, she could not let her guard down. Not with a massive 3000 ATK beater on the field.
"I'll set two cards before ending my turn." Solarflare emptied out his hand.
"My turn! Draw!" Rosebud glanced at the Trap Card she drew, then to the cards in her hand. "While I control no monsters and you have one, I can Special Summon Aromage Cinnamon from my hand! And when she's Special Summoned by this effect, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Aromage from my Deck. I Special Summon Aromage Jasmine."
Aromage Cinnamon: Level 5 EARTH Plant/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 1700
Aromage Jasmine: Level 2 LIGHT Plant/Effect ATK: 100 DEF: 1900
"Manifest before me, roots of evolution! The Summoning conditions are that I control two Plant Monsters. I set Aromage Jasmine and Cinnamon to the Markers. Sprout your wings and take flight! Link Summon! Link 2, Aromaseraphy Jasmine!" The white female monster appeared, flying with her golden wings.
Aromaseraphy Jasmine: LINK-2 LIGHT Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 1800 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
She looked at her hand; there was a combo she could go for. But with how Link VRAINS was set up, it wasn't likely that a Synchro Summon would help. At least with the Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon staring her down.
"Getting a 3000 ATK monster out so effortlessly; He isn't pulling back any punches. Looks like the only way to get over that would be to boost your attack to at least match the dragon." Rass noted. "Have you got an idea in mind?"
"I got something in mind." She whispered before raising her voice. "I Summon Aromage Thyme to the field! When she is Normal Summoned, I can activate a Continuous 'Winds' Spell/Trap from my Deck. I choose to activate Dried Winds!"
Aromage Thyme appeared as a female teenager with light green hair with messy green leaves in her hair, matching her eyes. Dressed in a brown-ish apron, her weapon appeared to be a lantern created from woven vines, emitting a green glow from her candle. Her appearance was much messier than her other members.
Aromage Thyme: Level 4 WIND Plant/Effect ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200
Aromage Thyme
Level 4 Attribute WIND
Plant/Effect
ATK: 1700 DEF: 1200
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can activate 1 Winds Continuous Spell/Trap Card directly from your Deck. Once per turn, if you gain LP: Send 1 Aroma card from your Deck to the Graveyard. When a monster(s) is Summoned while your LP is lower than your opponent's: You gain LP equal to 1 of those monsters ATK. This card must be in the Graveyard to activate and to resolve this effect.
"Appear once more, the roots of evolution! The Summoning conditions are at least 2 Plant monsters. I Set Aromage Thyme and the Link-2 Aromaseraphy Jasmine to the markers! Link Summon! Appear! Guardian of the Garden! LINK-3 Aromaseraphy Thyme!"
Aromaseraphy Thyme: LINK-3 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 2500 [MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left, and Bottom-Right]
Aromaseraphy Thyme appeared as female with a long ponytail, bushy and pale green, with light green eyes. She wore a heavy-looking dark green trumpet gown with white gloves. Tied around her waist was tan in color, but melded together with the golden intricate Aromaseraphy wings. Her weapon appeared like a staff, where her candle was burning a dark green incense of some kind.
Aromaseraphy Thyme
LINK-3 Attribute WIND
Plant/Link/Effect
ATK: 2500
[MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left and Bottom-Right]
2+ Plant-Type Monsters
While your LP is higher than your opponent's: You can Special Summon 1 "Aroma" monster from your hand. If you gain LP: target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; its ATK becomes half its current ATK, and if it does, this card gains that lost ATK until your opponent's next End Phase. You can only use each effect of "Aromaseraphy Thyme" once per turn.
"Now I play the Field Spell Aroma Gardens and activate its effect! As I do, Aromaseraphy Thyme's effect activates! I target your Galaxy Eyes and until your next Endphase, she gains that ATK! And then I activate Dried Winds' effect to destroy your Photon Dragon!" Aromaseraphy Thyme stole the energy through her staff as Dried Winds unleashes a blast at the dragon.
Solarflare: 4000
Vs
Rosebud: 4000 + 500 = 4500
Aromaseraphy Thyme: LINK-3 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 2500 + 500 + 1500 = 4500 [MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left, and Bottom-Right]
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: Level 8 LIGHT Dragon/Effect ATK: 3000 - 1500 = 1500 DEF: 2500
"I set a card. Battle!" She declared once the monster was destroyed. "I'll take out with this one attack! Aromaseraphy Thyme - Evergreen Courage!"
Aromaseraphy Thyme charged her attack, a storm of energy surging around her weapon. The monster unleashed its attack. Rosebud grinned. This wasn't a hard battle once she took out his dragon, was it?
"Guess I'll use this now. I activate the Continuous Trap Destiny Break!" He flipped over one of his set cards. "When your monster declares an attack, I draw a card and if it is a monster, your attack is negated!"
"What!? What kind of card is that?" Rosebud gasped.
"I've never heard of that kind of card before; is that even legal?" Rass inquired on the other end.
Solarflare drew a card from his Deck and revealed it. "It is the monster Galaxy Brave! Your monster's attack is negated!"
A protective pink shield blocked the attack. Rosebud fought back her disappointment. At least she knew that next turn, she would have a chance to end the duel quickly. "Fine… you live for now. I'll end my turn here."
"It will take more than a single attack to end me. And since the Battle Phase has ended, Destiny Break destroys itself and I Special Summon the monster I drew with its effects negated." Galaxy Brave appeared on the field as Solarflare stated.
Galaxy Brave: Level 8 LIGHT Warrior/XYZ/Effect ATK: 0 DEF: 0
"Then, since I control a 'Galaxy' monster, I can Summon Galaxy Knight without Tributing. With him being Special Summoned this way, I can reduce this card's Attack by 1000 to Special Summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. Be reborn once again Photon Dragon!" The Knight slammed down its weapon, cracking the data beneath it as Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon emerged from what looked to be a tear of the Data Storm.
Galaxy Knight: Level 8 LIGHT Warrior/Effect ATK: 2800 - 1000 = 1800 DEF: 2600
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: Level 8 LIGHT Dragon/Effect ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500
"Hey easily brought back his Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon," Rass spoke; both clearly frustrated at the monster tearing back onto the field. "He must have ways of resurrecting his dragons."
"...Why am I not surprised?" She whispered back, under her breath. "But he does have three monsters. He could either go for a Link or XYZ play."
"Well if he does, you have your way out of it, right?" Rosebud knew what he meant; her set card did have an out should he choose to attack.
"Yes, but I hope I don't have to use it this early."
Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon let out another roar. Rosebud could feel the shockwave of its roar. How could a monster like that hold so much power?
"You may hold a monster you deem as powerful, but it is weak nonetheless. And you going to lose this Duel and the Ignis you are keeping hidden away. Using the three Level 8 monsters on my field, I construct the Overlay Network!" Solarflare raised his head, a spiral object appearing behind him. "I Overlay the Level 8 Galaxy Brave, Galaxy Knight, and Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"
"So he is going for an XYZ Summon-!" Rosebud heard Rass cut off on the other end; almost like their communication was cut off.
"Rass? Rass!" She shouted, before sensing the XYZ Monster's arrival.
"XYZ Summon! Surging silver energy! Become the rolling waves and show your mighty form! Descend! Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!" Tearing right through the Overlay Network was a bright red dragon with three heads. It let out its cry as it was summoned.
Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: Rank 8 LIGHT Dragon/XYZ/Effect ATK: 4000 DEF: 3500
"Neo… Galaxy-Eyes… Photon… Dragon…" Rosebud was struck with a wave of disbelief; he had managed to summon another monster with that much power?!
"Neo Galaxy-Eyes' effect! When this card is XYZ Summoned with 'Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon' as a material, all face-up cards on the field have their effects negated! Photonic Nullification!" The beast let out another cry, one releasing bright purple energy that affected both Aromaseraphy Thyme, Aroma Gardens, and Dried Winds. "That seals away an attempt of your cards or monsters using their effects! Leaving Thyme to regain her original attack!"
Aromaseraphy Thyme: LINK-3 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 4500 - 2000 = 2500 [MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left, and Bottom-Right]
"Battle! I attack your Link monster! Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon - Ultimate Photon Stream!" His monster unleashed its attack, blasting away the Plant Monster and dealing damage to Rosebud.
Solarflare: 4000
Vs
Rosebud: 4500 - 1500 = 3000
"I'll end my turn there." He waved for the XYZ monster to come back. "If you value your life, I'd advise you to give up and return what you stole from me."
"Stole from you? You're the one who broke into that server! If anyone is a criminal, it would be you!" She retorted. "And I don't have an Ignis."
"Lies lies lies. Is that all you'll ever say to me? Because let me tell you one thing; lying won't save you." He paused, almost shivering until he closed both his eyes. "...Though, I wasn't expecting an invited guest to be spectating the Duel."
Rosebud paused; he wasn't speaking about Rass, was he?
It appeared to not be, as Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon suddenly let out a cry and aimed an attack directly at Rosebud. The female managed to dodge out of the way. Rosebud turned back, seeing the attack blocked by an unknown third party. Without Rass to back her up, she didn't know who it was. The smoke cleared, revealing another Duelist riding on his D-Board. It didn't take Rosebud any time to see who was following behind them.
"Play-Playmaker!" She gasped, a hand covering her mouth.
"So you're the one Photon was sensing…" Solarflare's eyes narrowed, one of his irises was now a slit. Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon let out another roar, almost indicated that it was a way that was the case.
[Hey Playmaker! What are we going to do?] An Ignis emerged from the hacker's Duel Disk. [We got caught after all.]
"I have no business to do with you. If you plan on interfering, then I'll have to use this!" The pink of his outfit began to glow. "Photon Dragon!"
Rosebud instantly sensed something amiss in the Data Storm. Playmaker also appeared to notice it as well. Neither one had a chance to completely react as another tear ripped through the Data Storm beneath them. Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon emerged, nearly clawing right through Playmaker.
"What the-!?" Rosebud watched as the dragon emerged, letting out its cry as it blocked the way of her seeing Playmaker.
"I'll have Photon deal with you. Rosebud! What will it be? Will you survive or continue this Duel?" Solarflare shouted as Photon Dragon charged right after Playmaker.
The female was taken aback. To think that Solarflare could Summon that dragon outside of a Duel. What kind of guy was he? It didn't matter. What she needed to do was win! There could be questions for this later.
"I'm choosing to fight on! I draw!" She drew a Spell card. Not exactly what she was hoping for, but it could come in handy with the other card in her hand. "I Normal Summon Aromage Lavender!"
Aromage Lavender as a young girl with light purple hair with matching eyes. She had pale skin and was dressed in a light purple gown of many shades, even matching her little mary jane shoes with white stockings. She carried a smaller version of the Aromage weapons, a stick-like staff holding a candle unleashing the purple fumes.
Aromage Lavender: Level 1 WIND Plant/Effect ATK: 0 DEF: 0
Aromage Lavender
Level 1 Attribute WIND
Plant/Effect
ATK: 0 DEF: 0
During either player's turn (Quick Effect): You can discard this card, then target 1 "Aroma" or "Winds" card in your Graveyard other than "Aromaseraphy Lavender"; add it to your hand. While your LP is higher than your opponent's, and you control a Plant-Type Tuner monster, and this card is in your Graveyard: You can Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use each effect of "Aromage Lavender" once per turn.
"A Level 1 Aromage monster. Just what to plan for it to do against Neo-Galaxy Eyes?" Her opponent inquired.
"You'll see. Manifest before me, roots of evolution! The Summoning conditions is 1 Aromage monster. I set Aromage Lavender to the Marker. Link Summon! Link 1, Aromaseraphy Lavender!" The monster vanished into the Top Marker before reappearing on the field.
Aromaseraphy Lavender appeared like a preteen by appearance. Her purple hair was getting darker at the roots, making her hair appear to have a gradient. Her eyes were a solid purple hue while retaining the pale skin. Her outfit was much darker, but she was wearing white gloves while holding her weapon. Patterns of leaves adorn her outfit as she smiled.
Aromaseraphy Lavender: LINK-1 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 100 [MARKER(S): Top]
Aromaseraphy Lavender
LINK-1 Attribute WIND
Plant/Link/Effect
ATK: 100
[MARKER(S): Top]
1 "Aromage" Monster
While your LP is higher than your opponent's, your opponent cannot Special Summon monsters from the hand or GY. Once per turn, if you gain LP: You can target 1 Set card or 1 Defense Position monster on the field; shuffle it into the Deck, and if you do, this card gains 1000 ATK/DEF until the end of the next turn. If this card is Linked Summoned using Aromage Lavender, it gains the following effect:
(Quick Effect) You can Tribute this card or a card this card points to: Special Summon 1 Plant Monster from your Graveyard, and if you do; that card cannot be destroyed for the rest of the turn.
"She might lack ATK, but thanks to her ability, she more than makes up for it! Since I used Aromage Lavender to Link Summon her, I can activate that effect now! I can Tribute this card to Special Summon a Plant-Type monster from my Graveyard. I choose to resurrect Aromaseraphy Thyme!" The Link 1 vanished, being replaced by the Link 3 monster.
Aromaseraphy Thyme: LINK-3 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 2500 [MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left, and Bottom-Right]
"I activate the Spell Magical Planter from my hand. I send a Continuous Trap on my field to the Graveyard and draw 2 cards. I send the negated Dried Winds." Rosebud drew two cards from her Deck, happy to see what she drew. "Good. This should do. I play the second copy of Aroma Gardens and activate its effect! Then Thyme's effect activates! Your XYZ Monster's attack is cut in half and thyme gains that attack!"
Solarflare: 4000
Vs
Rosebud: 3000 + 500 = 3500
Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: Rank 8 LIGHT Dragon/XYZ/Effect ATK: 4000 - 2000 = 2000 DEF: 3500
Aromaseraphy Thyme: LINK-3 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 2500 + 2000 = 4500 [MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left, and Bottom-Right]
"Battle! I attack your monster with Aromaseraphy Thyme! Evergreen Courage!" Her monster twirled her weapon, unleashing the storm of essence and leaves toward the XYZ Monster.
"I activate my Trap Cipher Bit! By attaching it as an Overlay Material to Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, it cannot be destroyed by battle this turn." The dragon obtained a fourth Overlay Unit.
"But you still take damage!"
Solarflare: 4000 - 2500 = 1500
Vs
Rosebud: 3500
"I end my turn." Rosebud looked at her field. Since she reset her cards, it looked like this would be in her favor. Even with Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon on the field, she still had a chance to win. Win and then get out of here before either male had a chance to catch her.
All she needed was to survive one last turn.
Solarflare picked him up, wiping off digital dust from his shoulder. Or at least doing to the motion. "Not bad, but your streak of luck will end here. I've grown tired of this Duel."
"Says the one who challenged me," Rosebud muttered under her breath.
"Come forth!" Solarflare suddenly extended his hand toward the Data Storm. "I activate my Spell - Galaxy's Edge!"
Rosebud gasped, before feeling the pull of gravity suddenly trying to suck her in. Kneeling down, she looked down and noticed what she could describe as the virtual reality beneath them cracking. The Data Storm beneath giving way into a strange vortex of warping colors. That seemed to cause a sudden change. All the while, Solarflare barely seemed phased by Skill's activation.
"By discarding a card, I can obtain a monster from the Dimensional Tear itself!" His eyes widen, irises becoming slits as he threw what appeared to be a monster card into the Dimensional Tear. "I send this card as a sacrifice for the monster!"
The force only seemed to have gotten worse. Rosebud could barely keep her eyes open as the sheer gravitational pull of the Skill. How this was even still working on Link VRAINS was beyond reasoning.
Solarflare extended his arm, feeling the pulse of the monster lurking within it. It was leering around, searching for the exit. He felt his own energy beckoning it closer. To free it from the Dimensional Tear's hold and become entrusted to his hand. The monster seemed to agree. Manifesting as a bright light that shot straight into his open palm. He caught the card before it could pass, feeling a card materialize as the Dimensional Tear was beginning to seal itself back up.
"Perfect. I got just what I need. Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! Arrowheads confirmed! I Set Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon in the Link Markers!" Solarflare opened up a Link portal, and suddenly Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon split into four parts, taking place in the Top, Right, Bottom and Bottom-Right markers.
"Hold on a second! You only have one monster on the field!" Rosebud exclaimed, staying up.
"True, but I can also Link Summon this monster by using an XYZ Monster and using its extra Overlay Materials as additional materials!" Solarflare exclaimed before a storm of bright light surrounded his hand. "Circuits combine! Link Summon! Burst forth with your eternal light and vanquish the darkness of all existences! LINK-4 Galaxy-Eyes Supernova Dragon!"
Tossing up the ball of light, Rosebud was blinded by a bright burst of light for a few moments. As her eyes started to recover, she became to see the dragon he had summoned. It appeared like a one-headed dragon with black metal plating covering portions of its body. The main body itself was an ever-glowing bright white light, only matched by the bright molten lining of the armor and its eyes. The bladed wings grew to become a complete set of eight. Inside its body, it could be noted that floating pieces of what seemed to be other galaxies lingered in its body. When it let out a cry, it was a bright yellow.
Galaxy-Eyes Supernova Dragon: LINK-4 LIGHT Cyberse/Link/Effect ATK: 3000 [MARKER(S): Top, Right, Bottom and Bottom-Right]
Galaxy-Eyes Supernova Dragon
LINK-4 Attribute LIGHT
Cyberse/Link/Effect
ATK: 3000
[MARKER(S): Top, Right, Bottom and Bottom-Right]
2+ LIGHT Effect monsters
You can also Link Summon this monster with a Rank 8 or higher "Galaxy-Eyes" monster with 3 or more materials. You can only Link Summon 1 "Galaxy-Eyes Supernova Dragon" this way. Cannot be targeted, or destroyed by, your opponent's card effects. Once per turn, when this card declares an attack on a face-up monster: You can activate this effect; until the end of this turn, this card gains ATK equal to half that monster's current ATK, and if it does, that monster's current ATK is halved. If this card destroys a monster in the Extra Monster zone: This card can declare another attack during the Battle Phase.
"A Cyberse dragon!?" Rosebud gasped, unable to cover the astonishment on her face as the dragon let out its cry.
"Battle! I attack your Link Monster with Supernova Dragon!" The dragon charged on ahead, the light growing even brighter. "And at this moment, Supernova's effect activates! When it battles a monster, it gains attack equal to half of that monster's attack, and your monster loses that attack! Nova Divergence!"
Galaxy-Eyes Supernova Dragon: LINK-4 LIGHT Cyberse/Link/Effect ATK: 3000 + 2250 = 5250 [MARKER(S): Top, Right, Bottom and Bottom-Right]
Aromaseraphy Thyme: LINK-3 WIND Plant/Link/Effect ATK: 4500 - 2250 = 2250 [MARKER(S): Top-Left, Left, and Bottom-Right]
Solarflare: 1500
Vs
Rosebud: 3500 - 3000 = 500
The force from blast completely destroyed the Link Monster as it flew directly at the female Duelist. Her eyes widen. The last thing Rosebud was consciously aware of was the shift of gravity. Pulling her down into the depths. Vision consumed by an untamed storm. She fell directly into the Data Storm.
[SPEED DUEL - END!?]
~ Next Time on ~
~ VRAINS - COMPENDIUM ~
Knocked into the Data Storm, Rosebud finds herself trapped in the vortex of the storm. However, her Duel Disk begins to glow and…! At the same time, Playmaker comes up with a plan to stop the destruction that Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon is causing. Just he is about to do so, Solarflare comes and…!
Find out in Episode 9 - Curse of the Rose
Skill(s) Discovered
Galaxy's Edge (In the use of Solarflare)
You can only activate this Skill if you control a 'Galaxy-Eyes' monster and if your LP is less than 2000. Discard 1 effect monster card in your hand. Then, the user randomly obtains a Cyberse Link Monster from a nearby Data Tear and adds it to their Extra Deck. The more intense the Dimensional Tear, the stronger the obtained Link Monster will be. The user is given a monster appropriate for them. The obtained card can then be materialized in the real world with the proper equipment.
So originally I was planning on just continuing the full Duel in the chapter. But then I felt like things were getting a bit too long. That and the original draft for the chapter felt a bit… lackluster until I got to writing the Duel. Therefore, we're going to split this into two parts by leaving you all with a cliffhanger! Aren't I the best?
But… I did have a lot to drop during this chapter. Solarflare and Rosebud having their first Duel, the introduction of a Skill and a Cyberse Dragon?! That and we're starting to see the story of Compendium trickling over into the canon timeline. Here is where things are going to start overlapping. But I do wonder… whenever will I finally have Playmaker and Rosebud finally meet? Who knows!?
In more of canon VRAINS news, can I just say I love the new opening's song? And that's not the only thing; Season 3 of VRAINS has started. Excited to see what's going to happen for this last Season.
Now anyway, I'll be posting the second part of the Duel later today. Mainly because I'll be on vacation next week. So don't expect any sort of update then. But anyway let's get onto responding to the three reviewers!
HunterHQ -
Yes, you guessed this chapter right! Not bad at guessing when this chapter takes place. Though I'm changing canon slightly. At least for this moment.
I got things planned for the future; so stay tuned to see if other factors or additions to current ones come into the mix! But I'll confirm one thing: we're going to have the Chess Pieces at least do something.
Lindia Fullmoon -
I'm excited to hear about your excitement. Things for Compendium are being stormed up. The plans I've got in the store look good so far. It might just take a bit longer since I'll have to incorporate elements like that later for story reasons. I'll be sure to try and give a Solarflare vs Revolver Duel justice.
Diabolic Tracer -
Glad to see you back! Now I don't really plan on having too many big mysteries. Since I'm writing this for fun, I'm not taking things too seriously. Though as for Arisu "discovering" Yusaku's identity, it was a jab of some sort. I'll leave it at that. :)
Fun Facts
Originally I had a concept where Rosebud and Playmaker would do, but due to a certain "somebody", they would see the other as a Knight of Hanoi. Neither would figure out until there Duel was interrupted by something. Then we would have the scene of their first interaction with a flustered Rosebud. But there was a problem; I couldn't write an interesting Duel with Yusaku. So I scrapped that and decided to throw Solarflare in here instead! Hopefully, that worked, because otherwise the next time we would have even heard or seen of Solarflare would have been in like Episode 13! So I'm happy with this change and kind of put certain things to move.
Aromage Lavender, Aromaseraphy Lavender and Aromaseraphy Belladonna kind of has a story around them. The story I have is that Aromage Lavender is a child that grows up to become Aromaseraphy Belladonna. She ascends to Aromaseraphy Lavender before a certain event transforms her into Belladonna. It was kind of fun idea for me, but it doesn't have to be canon. So take that as you will.