Arisu was in her room, reviewing the footage on her laptop. It was early in the morning, bags under her eyes. A cup of coffee was on the side. She was still in her pajamas, lightly barely on. Her hair was still a mess. It was going through footage, articles, chat logs and many more data to cipher through. The early hours of the morning were peeking through her blinds and curtains. Barely lighting up her skin. Her typing was consistent as she skimmed through every file. The conversation of the night prior weighed heavy on her mind.
One of the newspaper clippings came it. It wasn't of the Lost Incident exactly. No, it was connected to their incident five/six years ago - depending on which ones you read. The article had a photo of the entire group in a photo. A field trip went wrong. Most of the faces were covered, only zooming into the sign. Victims identities protected. Nothing, unlike the Lost Incident. But to think… if there was an incident beforehand that was familiar… Things would get much more serious and dangerous.
The Lost Incident has a connection to Playmaker. Playmaker, who has a grudge against both SOL and Hanoi for what they did in the past. Those two organizations were after the Ignis. An Ignis, just like SOL claimed she had in her very own Duel Disk. And now she was put into the plan. Both sides wanting Playmaker and the Ignis no matter the cost.
Even if innocents were to die for it.
Arisu tapped the keyboard. Not on any keys. Her eyes looked over to her plugged-in Duel Disk. She was currently running a scan through it again. For the third time. Even if her head was starting to ache. Flashing images of destruction in the virtual world. No sleep for right now. Not after what was revealed. If Nero, Solarflare, and SOL weren't lying, something should be hiding inside. It was a long shot, but she had a way of checking it out. And whatever happened in that last Duel wasn't settling well with her mentality.
That monster… That Cyberse monster shouldn't possibly exist. It did, and it was the one that saved her from losing to Solarflare. Yet that skill, that Link Monster shouldn't be in her possession. However, they weren't the only new cards that were now in the Deck. Her re-examination of them proved that they did exist. For what reason? That was one of the many questions she was waiting for an answer on.
While she was waiting, Arisu was going through some of the remaining information on her end. Cyberse cards like Playmaker's… they weren't known to appear in any other Decks. Her research confirmed that much. If he was Yusaku, she just needed to see his Deck. Or try and get his Ignis to come out. Either way, if she had that information…
Arisu winced, her headache getting worse. At least chest didn't feel as if it was caving in. Shutting her eyes, she tried to ride out. Deep breathes. Her hand clenched the bottom of her desk. The feeling was getting worse. As did the strange visual hallucinations. A barren abyss filled with black and white squares. A white cage. The pain of everywhere of her body, except for her eyes. It was everything she could hate and more. And those statues, looming over the cage yelling out questions. One right after the other. Arisu wanted to scream out, just silence them all. But nothing came out. She was on the verge of tears.
Then suddenly, the sensations all but vanished. Only a dull headache remaining as she jolted up. Arisu, she noticed how close her face was to her knees. She had shrunk and cowered. Rubbing the sides of her temples, the teenager got up and noticed the scan was completed. Moving the mouse, she clicked it and noticed it detecting one thing foreign. Curiosity got to her as she clicked it.
The program appeared to be docile, almost dominant in the far reaches of her Duel Disk. No wonder why Rass couldn't find it. It was so far deep into the commands that it wouldn't be seen as anything but a disabled feature. Another pop-up also noted something peculiar about the program.
It was incredibly damaged. Apparently, it was doing recovery updates every night for only a few minutes at a time. Almost trying to restore itself. But this wasn't anything she had coded herself. Nor from Rass. Foreign in every sense of the word, she wondered if this was what Nero was after. If so, it wouldn't hurt help it, right? She had a program Rass gifted her some years back. It was supposed to be for integrations or protection programs for certain AIs. The program would be locked onto her Duel Disk until either herself to Rass would input the administration code. Paired with her basic recovery program, she could implant both of them for the possibly Ignis to use.
Arisu believed it was worth a shot. She changed the routine to upload it to her Duel Disk before she promptly shut everything off. By the time school started, it would be completely uploaded and watching to be used. Then, and only then, could she figure out if an Ignis was hiding in her Duel Disk? Her only hope was that nobody at school would notice.
The teenager was anything but a bit antsy. Time at school was wasted away. Mainly due to both programs successfully installed. Leaving it at home was too risky. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to bring it today. The only problem was that after school, Takumi was quick to ask her out somewhere. Not on a date or anything. Habiki chewed off her ear at that idea. Morie was more happy to give Arisu some natural sunlight and a new friend. Apparently, Takumi's home was near a destination spot. He wanted to show her around. Someplace other than school. Away from rumors stirring.
So there she was the teenage girl finding herself there. In front a vast ocean-spanning toward the horizon. The male was smiling, most likely taking in how Arisu's eyes shimmered with the water.
"This ocean is called Stardust Road," Takumi explained. "It got its name because of luminescent plankton that gathers near the surface at night. When you see that for yourself, it takes your breath away. A natural phenomenon that attracts tourists."
"Stardust Road… that sounds like something I'd like to capture a photo of." Arisu got an idea, her camera weighing heavy in her backpack. "Do you know when the plankton come around? I'd love to take a photo."
"Oh, about that… the plankton usually does that rarely. My family owns a place nearby. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough to match paying the price of the mansion up top. They get to see it every night the plankton arrive."
She looked up the long road, back to where a mansion rested by its lonesome.
"I promised my sister when she was younger that we would see the lights. But, due to her condition, she can't stand to be out of the house anymore." Takumi sighed, leaning over the edge. "Eh, my younger sister. I know I mentioned my older brother overseas, but I also have a younger sister."
"Oh, I'm so sorry… At least you can do stuff for her right? Like bringing her seashells?"
"Yeah, I try and do that for her. Makes her come out of her room. Otherwise, it is a bit hard to get her to even look out the window. But I did promise her one thing. One day, I'd show her the beauty of Stardust Road with her own eyes. One day."
"That sounds sweet of you… Hey! Maybe one night we can sneak out and I can take some photos? My camera has a powerful lens That might be able to get her motivated to leave her room."
Takumi laughed a bit nervously. "You don't need to do that, really…"
"Hey, you're the first guy that hasn't called me a freak in high school. It is the least I can do."
He looked around. His eyes caught something behind him. "Hey! A food truck's here today. Want me to get you anything?"
"Maybe some fries? I'm in the mood for something salty."
"Okay! Hold on. I'll buy us something to snack on. Be right back!"
Takumi and Arisu waved, the former heading to the food truck. Arisu picked herself up, the dark-green haired female taking a seat on the bench. She got out her camera, fiddling with the lens a bit. A good time to take a few snapshots of Stardust Road. That way, she could get a new screensaver. The highschooler quickly found the lens and stood up, aiming to take a photo of the horizon. The camera scanned the horizon. Ocean in perfect few. She took a few snaps.
From the viewfinder, it displayed a gentle ocean. One far away from the chaotic bustling of the urban civilization. Where mysteries resided beneath the surface. It was may simpler. Far from the sins of humanity. The world was so much more beautiful once isolated in the viewfinder.
"Oh, are you a photographer?" Arisu found herself pulled back into the real world.
Lowering the camera, her view from the viewfinder was changed. Now, she saw a male about her age. Possibly older. He wasn't at all Takumi. In fact, he was quite a… treat to her eyes. Pristine white hair that spiked toward the sides, bits of purple-blue highlights. A Hibiscus trionum would be his flower by appearance alone. And then his eyes, blue like the sea of Stardust Road…
He didn't seem off to her. Nor a student. Not with that grey long-sleeved jacket. He looked like a regular person. In his hands was a bag of food.
"...Sorry!" She realized just how long she was awkwardly staring at the guy. "I, eh, I tend to get lost when I'm with my camera…. It's my favorite hobby."
"Hobby huh… I don't usually see people out here in the day. Mostly during the night." The man then shook his head. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude."
"Oh no, it's nothing. It is my first time over here at Stardust Road. The view from this place is amazing! I just wish… it wasn't just me and my classmate here."
"You and your classmate?"
She knew exactly why he was slightly puzzled. "Oh right, he's not over here right now. He's currently buying a snack from the food truck back here. We got off of a school and came by to check out the view."
"I see. Well, if you think the view from here is amazing, the one on the hill certainly takes the breath away."
"One on the hill… wait! Do you live up there?!" She just had to ask this guy. "Lucky you! I bet you get to have the best of Stardust Road. I'd total loved to get a photo from up there some time."
"Really now? Well, maybe I can invite you some time."
"Would you now? I-I wouldn't want to intrude…"
Arisu was smiling underneath her medical mask. It was so much easier talking to this stranger. A nice conversation was this interaction. The mysterious boy who lived on the hill. He was quick to reach for his phone.
"Sorry, I have to go now." He apologized.
"No no, it's fine! Maybe… we can meet up some other time. I can show you more photos if you'd like."
"...I'll think about it." He smiled. "Farewell."
Kindly excusing himself, she allowed him to go. Takumi came soon afterward, apologizing for the wait. She was grateful and laughed a bit. For the first time, in quite some time, she felt like taking off her mask outside of a virtual world.
Inside of the Link VRAINS, Siren logged into a server. A private one, which appeared like a gigantic mansion inside of a large tree. An upgraded treehouse glamoured like a mansion. However, the spiky-hair woman was anything but happy. She was pissed off.
She didn't look up as she held a piece of information. It needed to be given to Compendium as soon as possible. A flick of her wrist summoned the bird as it appeared. Though as she waited, she thought something was off. Her bird came and went, taking the information before she looked up.
The sight struck her with horror.
The state of her tree was a mess. What once was a lush green shading the earth below now seemed ill and dying. Dead branches and leaves littering the ground around the hideaway. Her mansion was also overrun with plant life. It looked as if something broke inside. Despite security protocols.
Siren hissed, her brown eyes changing to yellow. The pink cocktail dress tailed in the wind as she raced inside. She whispered a bit, almost mimicking something and waiting for a reply. Nothing came. No matter how many times she repeated the noise. The ballroom was where she stopped. The wind had died down in the room. Siren's green hair barely moving anymore. Something moved nearby. Her eyes widen, rushing over after hearing someone's coughing. It was underneath some broken wound.
Siren couldn't believe her eyes, seeing one of her young girls, coughing and injured, tears in her eyes. She didn't waste any time in freeing them. Patting them down.
"It is okay. Mother Siren is here. Are you okay my dear?" She asked, cupping the girl's face.
The girl nervously nodded but tensed up. Siren knew why. A slow clap made itself known. As did the intruder. Standing up, Siren turned around, protectively guarding the girl.
"Whoever you are, you have some nerve breaking into my Nest and harming my chicks." Siren hissed out, activating her Duel Disk. "Don't you know what happens when you provoke a mother?"
"A mother? Now, that is certainly a title for a manipulative lying woman." A male voice responded from the second floor, using the balcony as their place above the two females. "If you so much loved your followers, then you would come here sooner. Maybe then, more would still have their wings."
Siren's eyes widen before she pulled out a dagger, throwing it right at the figure. He dodged it, before emerging from the shadows. Purple and green hair standing out from the particle face mask. His eyes looking down upon her as he was dressed in white.
"...You Hanoi scum." Siren snapped. "Dragging your filth into my Nest! Your group acting like a coward and harming my chicks and not me!? You all must have a death wish."
"A death wish, certainly not. I may be a member of the Knights of Hanoi, but I am not wishing ill will on anyone." He looked around. "All I needed from these girls was a bit of information. They refused and I had to take… extreme measures when they choose to strike me. Almost like you did now."
The woman was fighting back a snarl. "Like that's the truth! You filthy bastard! You won't get away with hurting my young!"
"Oh? And how will you do that? From what I can see, you don't stand any chance against winning. It would be best for you to tuck in your wings and flee. Less you want to add another body to the count." He motioned to the quivering young girl, terrified at just seeing him.
"You won't lay a finger on anyone else! You're Dueling me, here and now!" Siren declared.
The Knight smiled before jumping down. "Certainly, but don't say I didn't warn you. Before you perish, I think it is only fair to introduce myself to you, Siren. I am Phantom. And I'll be the last thing you'll ever see."
"Like you will have a chance to defeat me! I'll show you right after I pluck your organs from your body!"
"Duel!"
{MASTER DUEL - START!}
Siren: 4000
Vs
Phantom: 4000
"Lady's first! I begin by Summoning Harpie Channeler to my field. With her effect, I discard Harpie Lady 3 to Special Summon Harpie Dancer from my Deck!" The two monsters appeared on the field, both being Winged-Beast monsters.
Harpie Channeler: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1400 DEF: 1300
Harpie Dancer: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000
"Then I activate the effect of Harpie Dancer! I return a WIND monster to my hand to Normal Summon another WIND from my hand. I use this to Summon the OG Harpie Lady from my hand by returning Channeler!" Harpie Dancer spun around, sending Channeler back as it was replaced by the other monster.
Harpie Lady: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Normal ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400
"Harpie Ladies. You are truly a Mother Hen more than a Mother Bear." Phantom commented.
"Appear! Circuits of the future!" Siren ignored him, preparing her Link Summoning. "The Summoning conditions are that I control 2 WIND Monsters. I Set both Harpie Lady and Dancer to the Markers! Link Summon! Come forth, Link-2 Harpie Conductor!"
Harpie Conductor: LINK-2 WIND Winged-Beast/Link/Effect ATK: 1900 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"Next I activate the Field Spell Harpie's Nesting Grounds! Now, if I control a 'Harpie Lady' on my field, I can Special Summon one WIND monster from my Graveyard that has Harpie in its name. I use this to revive Harpie Dancer!" The smaller monster appeared on the field, landing in a zone Conductor pointed to.
Harpie's Nesting Grounds
Field Spell
When this card is activated and you control a "Harpie Lady" monster: Special Summon 1 Harpie Lady from your Graveyard. All Harpie monsters gain 200 ATK/DEF for each Harpie monster you control. You can activate 1 of these effects;
● Special Summon up to 2 "Harpie" monsters with different names from your Graveyard in Defense Position.
● If your opponent controls more monsters than you do: Your opponent must discard cards equal to the number of monsters they control. Monsters discarded by this effect cannot trigger any effects.
You can only use this effect of "Harpie's Nesting Grounds" once per turn.
Harpie Dancer: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000
"Nesting Grounds gifts my girls with 200 ATK and DEF for each one I control. Since I have Dancer and Conductor on the field, they gain 400 ATK and DEF! Then I activate the Continuous Spell Alluring Mirror Split. I will end my turn with this." Siren placed her last card down, keeping Channeler in her hand.
Harpie Conductor: LINK-2 WIND Winged-Beast/Link/Effect ATK: 1900 + 400 = 2300 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Harpie Dancer: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1200 + 400 = 1600 DEF: 1000 + 400 = 1400
Siren knew her game plan. Alluring Mirror Split would replenish her monsters should either of them be destroyed. Plus Nesting Grounds would benefit if her opponent chooses to Special Summon more monsters than her. Harpies like her own were very threatening. Especially once she drew the card from her Deck. Then her Extra Deck could show its full force.
The Knight of Hanoi didn't stand a chance. She grinned. Siren would win for sure. Especially since all the Knights so far used the same Decks.
"I will begin my turn!" He drew a card, looking at it before switching it for a card in his hand. "I start with playing the Field Spell Evil Eye Domain - Pareidolia! When this card is activated, I can add 1 Evil Eye from my Deck to my hand."
"Evil Eye!?" Siren was shocked, hearing an Archetype not associated with the Knights thus far.
"My eyes see everything. There is nothing you can hide from me. Not your Deck, not your identity, nor the true self is hidden under a facade of a mask. Your motherly hen nature is a farce. And I'll expose your true self to the last caged bird." He looked toward the scarred younger female, paralyzed with fear. "I start off with Summoning Serziel, Watcher of the Evil Eye. When she is successfully summoned, I can add another Evil Eye card from my Deck to my hand."
Serziel, Watcher of the Evil Eye: Level 4 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 1600 DEF: 1400
"Now, let's begin to see true nature. I equip Serziel with Evil Eye of Selene!" The monster soon was equipped with the eye mask, eerily similar to that of Phantom's. "While equipped with Evil Eye of Selene, Serziel's additional effect activates! I destroy one of Special Summoned monsters. I choose to destroy Harpie Conductor!"
"Like that will work! I activate Conductor's effect to destroy my Continuous Spell instead!" Alluring Mirror Split shattered, "But I activate its effect! When this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon a Harpie from my Graveyard. I choose to bring back Harpie Lady herself! And my monsters gain more stats since I control three of them now!"
Harpie Conductor: LINK-2 WIND Winged-Beast/Link/Effect ATK: 2300 + 200 = 2500 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Harpie Dancer: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1600 + 200 = 1800 DEF: 1400 + 200 = 1600
Harpie Lady: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Normal ATK: 1300 + 600 = 1900 DEF: 1400 + 600 = 2000
"You won't break down my flock so easily!" She shouted, only to notice an aura around his monster. "Huh…?"
Serziel, Watcher of the Evil Eye: Level 4 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 1600 + 500 = 2100 DEF: 1400
Siren: 4000
Vs
Phantom: 4000 - 500 = 3500
"Evil Eye of Selene's effect. Whenever my equipped monster uses her effect, I lose 500 LP as she gets that in ATK." He explained, his monster's masked eyes glowing with power before looking to the six cards in hand.
"Oh really? Then you're going to defeat yourself before you'll ever stand a chance against my monsters. What a self-destructing Deck you have."
Phantom just took a card from his hand, revealing it. "I activate the Spell Evil Eye Awakening to Special Summon an Evil Eye monster. Since I control Selene, I can Special Summon one from my Deck instead of my hand or Graveyard. I use this effect to Special Summon Catoblepas, Familiar of the Evil Eye. Selene's activate once again."
Catoblepas, Familiar of the Evil Eye: Level 3 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 600 DEF: 1900
Serziel, Watcher of the Evil Eye: Level 4 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 2100 + 500 = 2600 DEF: 1400
Siren: 4000
Vs
Phantom: 3500 - 500 = 3000
Phantom then took another card out from the four in his hand. "Since I control an Evil Eye monster, I can Special Summon Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye from my hand!"
The humanoid fiend and buffalo-like monster were joined by the serpentine-like monster.
Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye: Level 3 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 400 DEF: 2000
"Manifest before me, circuits of the future!" Phantom prepared to perform his Link Summon. "Summoning condition have been met! I set all three of my Evil Eye monsters into the markers - Serziel, Basilius, and Catoblepas! Under your watchful eye will your reign begin! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed!"
Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed: LINK-3 DARK Fiend/Link/Effect ATK: 2600 [MARKER(S): Top, Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
"From the Graveyard, I activate Evil Eye of Selene's effect: by paying 1000 LP and banishing a Spell or Trap card, I can set this card back onto the field! I banish Evil Eye Awakening before flipping the Equip Spell and targeting Zerrziel!" Phantom began. "Then I activate Catoblepas' effect to revive itself from the Graveyard to a zone Zerrziel points to."
Catoblepas, Familiar of the Evil Eye: Level 3 DARK Fiend/Effect ATK: 600 DEF: 1900
Siren: 4000
Vs
Phantom: 3000 - 1000 = 2000
The yellow-eyes of the monster stared directly at Siren and her monsters. The woman was clearly uncomfortable. Her three monsters reflected their master's dissatisfied look.
"I activate Zerrziel's effect with Evil Eye of Selene equip and destroy your Harpie Conductor." The Fiend raised its arm, yellow eyes begin to glow.
"Have you forgotten already!? I can activate Conductor's effect to destroy my Field Spell instead!" She declared, the Field Spell shattering on the field.
"True, but it weakens all your flightless birds by its removal. And Zerriel gains attack either way."
Harpie Conductor: LINK-2 WIND Winged-Beast/Link/Effect ATK: 2500 - 600 = 1900 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Harpie Dancer: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1800 -600 = 1200 DEF: 1600 - 600 = 1000
Harpie Lady: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Normal ATK: 1900 - 600 = 1300 DEF: 2000 - 600 = 1400
Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed: LINK-3 DARK Fiend/Link/Effect ATK: 2600 + 500 = 3100 [MARKER(S): Top, Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Siren: 4000
Vs
Phantom: 2000 - 500 = 1500
"Like that matters! You're nearly dead! It is three versus one. Your Link Monster may be of higher Rank, but it won't stand a chance against my girls! You'll end your very life before you get me to zero Life Points!" Siren barked.
"That so? Zerrziel, attack Harpie Conductor - Corruption Strike!" His monster pulled back a punch, before unleashing the strike with a stream of dark energy.
A yellow eye of the monster glow brightly as Harpie Conductor shattered into pieces. As it did, Siren's eyes widen. For a split second, she saw many pairs of yellow eyes staring at her. Flashes of her childhood past by for what flew like minutes. The vision faded, but it may the woman pause for a moment. Siren was taken aback by the sudden vision.
Siren: 4000 - 1200 = 2800
Vs
Phantom: 1500
"It has begun. I attack your Harpie Dancer with Zerrziel as well!" Siren eyes widen at the declaration.
"What!?"
"When Zerrziel is Link Summoned with a monster that has 2600 ATK or more, my monster gains a second attack per Battle Phase! Now Zerrziel!" Phantom shouted as his monster destroyed the second monster on her field, the female screaming as it went through.
Siren: 2800 - 1900 = 900
Vs
Phantom: 1500
More of those eyes suddenly enveloped her vision. Almost like they were digging through her memories and mind. It was… sickening to even believe such a thing was happening. Siren couldn't falter now; she couldn't let a Knight of Hanoi win against her.
"That will do for now. I'll set my remaining three cards before ending my turn. Your move, Siren." Phantom stated as his monster returned to its place.
Siren hissed, getting up after the last attack. "You have… some nerve with that monster! You'll pay for that!"
He chuckled a bit. "Sure thing. Love to see try."
"It is my turn. Draw!" Siren checked the card she had drawn.
"Hold it! I activate Zerrziel's effect! Since I activate Evil Eye of Selene's effect, I have to negate the effect of a monster she points to. I choose to negate Catoblepas' effect!" Phantom interrupted her.
Siren looked at the Spell card she had gotten. Then she glanced to the Harpie Conductor in her hand. If this could work… it had to! She had no other choice after what this man had done to her and her flock! It was her duty as the Mother Hen. It was…!
"I Summon Harpie Channeler from my hand! Then I activate her effect by discarding Harpie Queen's Guard from my hand to Special Summon a Harpie from my Deck. I use this to Special Summon Harpie's Pet Dragon!" She Summoned the dragon, it roaring as it appeared on the field. "Pet Dragon gains 300 ATK/DEF for each Harpie Lady I control. Then Harpie Channeler's Level becomes Seven while I control a Dragon-Type monster."
Harpie Queen's Guard
Normal Spell
When this card is activated: Add 1 "Harpie Queen" from your Deck to your hand. While this card is in the Graveyard and you control a "Harpie Queen": Banish this card, and if you do; Harpie Queen gains 1000 ATK for each WIND monster on the field.
Harpie Channeler: Level 4 + 3 = 7 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1400 DEF: 1300
Harpie's Pet Dragon: Level 7 WIND Dragon/Effect ATK: 2000 + 300 = 2300 DEF: 2500 + 300 = 2800
"Two Level 7 monsters… you couldn't possibly be-!"
"Watch me you slimy weasel! Using both Pet Dragon and Channeler, I Overlay both my Level 7 monsters! Fierce beast of the Harpies, I call to you for your aid. XYZ Summon! Descend now! Rank 7 Harpie's Hysteric Phoenix Dragon!" A loud screech came from a leathery dragon descending down.
The dragon appeared more avian-like with large feathery white wings. The main body was a great green while dressed in red armor. Golden eyes shined greatly as it growled. It gathered up a small storm as it descended onto the field.
Harpie's Hysteric Phoenix Dragon: Rank 7 WIND Dragon/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 2500
Harpie's Hysteric Phoenix Dragon
Rank 7 Attribute WIND
Dragon/XYZ/Effect
ATK: 2000 DEF: 2500
2 Level 7 WIND Monsters
Once per turn, you can discard 1 XYZ Material: Special Summon as many copies of "Harpie Lady" as possible from your Graveyard. This card cannot attack the turn you activate this effect. You cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of the turn, except WIND Monsters. During each of your End Phases, if this card has no XYZ Materials: Destroy this card.
"Harpie's Hysteric Phoenix Dragon's effect activates! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon as many 'Harpie Lady' monsters from my Graveyard! So return to the field: Harpie Lady Conductor, Channeler, Dancer and Harpie Lady 3!" The four Winged-Beast Monsters returned to the field, joining the last Harpie Lady on the field.
Harpie Conductor: LINK-2 WIND Winged-Beast/Link/Effect ATK: 1900 [MARKER(S): Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Harpie Channeler: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1400 DEF: 1300
Harpie Dancer: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000
Harpie Lady 3: Level 4 WIND Winged-Beast/Effect ATK: 1300 DEF: 1400
"This is just the start of what I can do! Using the Level 4 Harpie Channeler, Harpie Lady 3 and Harpie Lady, I perform an XYZ Summon! Come forth! Show yourself: Rank 4! Harpie's Pet Phantasmal Dragon!" The feathery dragon was joined by another, in the zone, Zarriel was pointing to.
Harpie's Pet Phantasmal Dragon: Rank 4 WIND Dragon/XYZ/Effect ATK: 2000 DEF: 2500
"Come forth once more! Circuits of our evolution! The Summoning conditions are at least 2 WIND Monsters! I can use my Link 2 Harpie Conductor and Harpie Dancer as materials to set into the markers! Ruler of the nation, your egotist and elegance and known to all! Link Summon! Link-3, Harpie Elegance Queen!"
Harpie Elegance Queen: LINK-3 WIND Winged-Beast/LINK/Effect ATK: 2000 [MARKER(S): Top, Left and Bottom-Right]
A long-green haired Harpie appeared on the field. She was wearing a red and blue bodysuit. Both her wings were golden just like the crown upon her head.
Harpie Elegance Queen
LINK-3 Attribute WIND
Winged-Beast/Link/Effect
ATK: 2000
[MARKER(S): Top, Left and Bottom-Right]
2+ WIND Monsters
(This card is treated as "Harpie Queen" while on the field) This card's name becomes "Harpie Lady" while on the field or in the GY. If you control a WIND XYZ Monster - you can place this card so that it points to that monster. You can only use each of the following effects of "Harpie Elegance Queen" once per turn.
● All "Harpie" monsters you control gain 1000 ATK for each "Harpie Lady" on your field.
● If another face-up "Harpie" monster(s) you control is returned to your hand (except during the Damage Step): You can destroy 1 card on the field.
"Harpie Elegance Queen can Summon herself to a zone other than the Extra Monster Zone only when I control a WIND-Attribute XYZ Monster. That isn't all! I activate the second effect of Harpie Queen's Guard. By banishing that Spell, Harpie Elegance Queen gains 1000 ATK for each WIND-Attribute Monster on my field. Since there are three of them, she gains 3000 ATK!"
"Not so fast! I activate my Counter Trap Evil Eye Retribution! This negates your Spell's effect while I control an Evil Eye monster!" The winds around Harpie Elegance Queen vanished.
Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed: LINK-3 DARK Fiend/Link/Effect ATK: 3100 + 500 = 3600 [MARKER(S): Top, Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Siren: 900
Vs
Phantom: 1500 - 500 = 1000
"But that won't save you now! I directly attack you with Harpie's Pet Phantasmal Dragon! And thanks to its effect, you cannot target this monster with any effects, so this attack will go throw and end you!" Siren declared as her monster flew toward the Knight of Hanoi. "Burn to a crisp!"
The dragon unleashed its burning green fire. Directly striking Phantom. Siren smiled. She had one! She had defeated him. A wave of relief went through her body.
"That's what you get for hurting my young…"
"Really? That was your best shot?" Her eyes snapped open, seeing Phantom still standing.
"What!? But I-! I directly attacked you! You have no way of stopping it!" She exclaimed.
"While I couldn't stop your dragon's attack, I was able to activate my Continuous Trap: Evil Eye Deception. When my opponent declares an attack, I take no damage from the attack and if I have Evil Eye of Selene on the field, I gain LP equal to the equipped monster's attack. Since I activated both Evil Eye Retribution and Evil Eye Deception, my monster gains 1000 ATK and I only lose 1000 HP. Yet due to Deception, I don't drop down to zero!"
Evil Eye Deception
Continuous Trap
When your opponent declares an attack while you control an "Evil Eye" monster: Negate the attack. If the attack is negated while "Evil Eye of Selene" on the field; Gain LP equal to the equipped monster's ATK. You can only activate the effect of "Evil Eye Deception" once per turn.
Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed: LINK-3 DARK Fiend/Link/Effect ATK: 3600 + 500 = 4100 [MARKER(S): Top, Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Siren: 900
Vs
Phantom: 1000 + 4100 = 5100 - 1000 = 4100
Siren's heart skipped a beat. Phantom had just… recovered his LP. She had frozen at just that prospect.
"That was a wonderful fight, but it won't last for long. Then I activate Evil Eye Decree! While I control Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed, all your monsters must declare a battle with Zerrziel! That means, your time is up Siren!" Harpie Elegance Queen flew toward the Link-3 Fiend.
Evil Eye Decree
Normal Trap
Activate when you control Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed: All monsters must battle Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed if able to. If "Evil Eye of Selene" is equipped, the monster attacking Zerrziel is banished at the end of the Battle Phase. You can only activate 1 "Evil Eye Decree" once per turn.
Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed: LINK-3 DARK Fiend/Link/Effect ATK: 4100 + 500 = 4600 [MARKER(S): Top, Bottom-Left and Bottom-Right]
Siren: 900
Vs
Phantom: 4100 - 500 = 3600
"No…" Siren was shaking. The many yellow eyes growing more and more in her vision. Peering into her very soul. "Nonononono… No!"
Zerrziel swung her fist, unleashing dark energy as the yellow eyes around the body were glowing a bright yellow. Harpie Elegance Queen was destroyed. The residing attack shot straight threw Siren. The woman let out a horrific scream.
Siren: 900 - 2600 = 0
Vs
Phantom: 3600
{WINNER - Phantom}
Siren was shaking, the Duel Monsters fading away. All but Zerrziel. The Link Monster floated as her master walked forward. Siren was defeated, head toward the ground in pure shock. She was barely away from everything around her. The slight touch of a hand to her check snapped her out of it. The woman's eyes widen as Phantom grabbed her chin, making her meet him in the eyes.
"Looks like I win this time. At last, I would have loved to see what you could become. But I am a man of my word." Phantom raised his other hand. "Savor this moment. Because I'll be the last man you'll ever see alive."
He released her as he stepped back. Zerrziel then appeared before him. The female Fiend unleashing a stream of yellow and black energy right at Siren. She released a horrific, animalistic scream. It seemed to last for a very second, before Siren collapse to the ground. The Harpie Duelist fading away into pixels. Lost to the wind. Gone.
"Such a shame. If only she would have listened." Phantom stated as his monster vanished from the field.
The sound of a sniffling young girl caught his attention. Oh right. He looked at saw the cowering young avatar. She was curled up on the floor. Short blonde hair and bright pink eyes. A little child afraid after seeing her dear leader wiped away like the rest. The Knight of Hanoi paused for a few moments. Seeing how teary-eyed she was, not even having enough willpower to flee. She seemed resigned to her fate.
Phantom took a step forward. She flinched, pulling her legs to her body. The young girl forced herself to look away.
"Now now, you don't have to be afraid. I won't hurt you. At least not yet." His one visible eye turned yellow. Words reached the young girl as she looked up. "I'll let you live, scamper away to survive at least another day. As long as you do one little thing for me."
He grabbed her arm, pulling her up. She yelped, shaking on her feet. He pulled the Duel Disk closer to him. Then he forced his hand on her chin, making her look directly at him.
"I need you to deliver a message. One to a Duelist Siren was acquainted with. Get this to Rosebud, and I'll let you live. If not, well…" His yellow eyes began to shimmer with that strange energy. "...Consider yourself dead, little harpie girl."
~ Next Time on ~
~ VRAINS - COMPENDIUM ~
Link VRAINS suddenly shuts down, causing everyone to spend some time in real life. Cross Nine happens to be one such person, where he decides to spend some time with a friend. During that time, he reminisces about a moment where he failed his family in the past. Meanwhile, something begins to stir in Link VRAINS.
Find out in Episode 12 - Lingering Ember
Now here is where Phantom, a member of the Knights of Hanoi, has finally made his debut. Debut as is basically destroy a whole entire server and defeating Siren in a single Duel. Also, rip Siren. She will forever be a side character and had to go. At least she got to show off some fanmade Harpie Cards. As did Phantom with the Evil Eyes; like, as soon as the Evil Eyed monsters were announced, I was like: I have to make a character using them. There isn't a reason why I couldn't.
Also, Arisu is slowly starting to get pulled into the canon events as the Another/Deleted Arc. Now here is where things will begin to cross over. Though one question still remains: Why would Arisu/Rosebud be dragged into this conflict? And whatever was released and is hiding inside of her Duel Disk? Is an Ignis?
Or better yet, my question is coming from the future: Whenever will I finally have Yusaku and Arisu just reveal their identities to each other so they can finally talk!?
Well, that's all I really have to say without giving anyway spoilers. I'll see you all next time. I just wrote a recent batch of episodes, but I'm going to comb through them again and make sure to space the episodes out. Hope you're all excited for what's to come.
Fun Facts
Originally I wasn't exactly intending for much to happen with Takumi and Arisu hanging out by Stardust Road. I think the original plan was for them to encounter Yusaku there. But I changed it up. Plus it was a good moment for Arisu and Ryoken to interact, even if they didn't really fully introduce each other yet. The scene was also good to have a bit more of in real life sections.
I wasn't comfortable for having Phantom dueling anyone from Compendium just yet, so I went back to find a minor character. But I did want it to affect the plot in some way, so Siren was chosen. That and I could use Harpie cards. Hopefully, that was right.