Aurasoul: Hello everyone and welcome to Vrains! I give a shout out to 0713MM for helping me type this story along with letting me use his OC Glacies!
Rai: This is more words than dueling isnt it?
Aurasoul: Yeah technically and I do not own Vrains! And after I post this I'll be seeing the last episode and most likely cry so enjoy everyone!
Chapter 6
Miho sat on a bench with a nervous look on her face, her legs twitching; thinking back to a few days ago.
"Eh?! This can't be right!" Miho stood, looking at the screen shocked. Rai and Touma with her.
"Believe me, I'm just as shocked as you are Miho." Rai frowned.
"I mean it's one thing to learn that Uncle Kiyoshi had an involvement with the Lost Incident, but this! I mean he isn't dead, not according to Ryoken!" She added, still shocked.
"This is shocking to say the least." Touma spoke lightly, looking at the screen.
"It could be possible that he had faked his death in order to give SOL Technologies the slip." Rai spoke.
"Maybe, but even so." Touma frowned.
"D-Do you think Ryoken knows about this?" She asked, worried. The three looked at one another, frowns on their faces.
"It's hard to say." Touma said.
"Maybe you should talk to him when you get together again." Rai said to her.
"Oh yeah, that will be a fun conversation." Miho remarked sarcastically. "''Hey Ryoken, it's been awhile. Say, do you know anything about Uncle faking his death? Or about an abduction of six children'? Come on Rai." She sighed.
"I'm not saying that. I mean just ask simple questions like if he used to work in SOL Technologies and such. After all, Aso did tell us he retired from his job and we don't really remember where he worked exactly." Rai said. She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck.
"I guess I can try, but if this is accurate and if Uncle did have something to do with the Lost Incident..." Miho began.
"One thing at a time Miho. This could be false for all we know. SOL Technologies is anything but trustworthy after all." Touma frowned.
"He's right. This is someone who's like family to us. There's no way this could be true. Or at least, I hope not anyway." Rai frowned.
Miho sighed, rubbing her face. That's easy for him to say, but this isn't gonna be easy I mean-
"Miho?" Miho yelped, quickly looking up to see a worried looking Ryoken standing next to her.
"R-Ryoken! Hey." She said, quickly standing up.
"Are you alright? You seemed lost in thought." He noted.
"Oh! Uh just had a lot on my mind that's all. Work has been keeping me busy." She replied sheepishly, laughing lightly.
"Sounds about right." Ryoken remarked. "Work usually does that to a person. Or so I've been told."
"Haha yeah." She agreed lightly, noticing a bag he was holding. "What do you get there?"
"Oh something I thought you might like." He said, holding up the bag for her to see.
"Cafe Nagi? You went there?" She asked in surprise, seeing the familiar logo on the bag.
"Yeah." Ryoken answered. "They had moved to the Stardust Road. I remember you mentioning you liked their hotdogs, so I thought we could have some."
"I see." She spoke softly. The two sat down and began eating. She glanced at him every now and then, silently as she ate.
Should I ask him? But what should I even ask first without being suspicious? She thought with a frown, not noticing Ryoken's gaze on her. She then swallowed.
"Um Ryoken, how's Uncle Kyoshi been?" She asked lightly. Ryoken was about to take another bite of his hotdog but stopped. He placed the hotdog down and pondered Miho's question.
"He's…." Ryoken began, he paused for a moment or two before continuing. "He's been alright."
"I see. We would sometimes get an occasional call from him now and then. But we haven't had one lately, so we were a little worried." She said with a faint chuckle. "I'm glad to hear he's ok."
"I'll make sure to let him know you asked." He spoke with a gentle smile. She smiled lightly before she looked to the side for a moment before she faced him again.
"Actually, I wanted to know about Uncle Kiyoshi's job before he retired… Did he use to work with SOL Technologies?" She asked carefully. Ryoken paused for an even longer period of time this time around. Eventually, he spoke.
"Yes." Ryoken spoke with finality in his voice. "Why do you ask?"
"Curious." She replied quickly. "I remembered he used to be a scientist of sorts before he retired and all when we were kids."
"Retired?" Ryoken repeated with a raised eyebrow. "My Father never retired from what I can recall."
"Eh? But that's what Aso told me." She spoke surprised.
"Aso told you that?" Ryoken frowned. "Well unfortunately for you, he is wrong. I know my Mother wanted him to retire, but he never listened to her about it. They eventually argued about it and...Mother left. Didn't even give us an idea on where she went." She flinched at the mention of Juliette, knowing it was a very sensitive topic for Ryoken ever since she had suddenly left without a word to all of them; she looked down.
"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to bring up bad memories." She apologized, guilt present on her face. Ryoken took notice of her apologetic look and he brushed his hand aside, despite his own pained/angered expression on his own face.
"It's fine Miho.' Ryoken told her. He took a bit of the hotdog, then continued. "All I will say further about my Mother is that I've been trying to locate her ever since her sudden disappearance. I have not been successful, as unfortunate as that is. Makes me fear the worst."
"Eh? Why didn't you tell us this before? We could've helped you." She told him with a surprised expression on her face.
"I didn't tell you or your siblings because I do not need you to get involved in my family affairs." Ryoken replied firmly. "Find my Mother is my responsibility and my responsibility alone."
"Ryoken, your Mom is practically our aunt. To you guys, you're all family." She told him firmly. She placed their food down so she could take his hand. "Ryoken, you had helped support me and Rai through so much from when we lost our parents, losing Yukiko, and even now you've always been there for us. So let us be there for you." He looked at her, stunned before giving a sigh and a soft smile. "You're awfully stubborn." He remarked.
"And you're not?" She countered with a grin.
"Good point." Ryoken chuckled.
"So if you need any help, don't be afraid to ask us; ok?" She spoke with a smile. Ryoken nodded.
"Sure." He replied.
Though I don't want you and siblings involved in my family affairs to begin with. Ryoken thought. I've put you through so much as it is. Good thing you don't know that I'm the one that is causing such pain to you and Rai.
So, Uncle Kiyoshi isn't retired. The opposite to what Aso told us. Maybe it was a mistake? She thought. I must believe it might be. This is Ryoken, he wouldn't lie to us. She placed her forehead on his; eyes closed. He wouldn't lie to me, not him.
"Miho?" He spoke, worried. She gasped, moving back.
"Sorry. Hey, let's finish these. They're too good to go to waste." She smiled, going back to eating her hotdog. He watched her but nodded doing the same.
Revolver walked back down the spiral staircase and saw the hooded figure sitting at the edge looking at the light.
"What are you doing here?" He questioned. The figure jumped, looking up to face Revolver and gave a sheepish chuckle.
"Sorry. I just wanted to see it again." The figure apologized, sounding feminine.
The figure looked at the light again.
"Soon it'll begin, right Revolver? All we worked for. It'll all come to this, right?" She asked softly.
"Yes." Revolver replied.
"I'm a little nervous." She admitted, fiddling with her fingers. "I mean there are people who could try to stop this."
"I know." Revolver remarked. "But we have to go through with this. Regardless if people try to stop us or not."
"Of course, I know that. But if we go through with this, you'll be in huge trouble Revolver." She told him, a worried expression on her face. Revolver glanced at her and he brushed the remark aside and scoffed.
"Huge Trouble? With who? The authorities?" Revolver retorted. "Does it look like I care? All I care about is accomplishing our goal." She gave a sigh.
"You should worry about yourself more. I bet Miho is getting gray hairs worrying for the both of us without knowing about this." The figure remarked. Revolver tensed up at the mention of Miho, but he ultimately brushed the comment aside, but she noticed.
"Did something happen with Miho today?" The figure asked, worried.
"Yeah." Revolver answered. "She asked about my Father and if he was retired from work or something. I told her that information is incorrect."
"She doesn't know anything else right? Like his… Current situation?" The figure questioned.
"She does not know about his situation." Revolver answered. "All she knows is that my Father is not retired from his work. Which is true, through a certain point of view."
"But why would she suddenly ask that?" The figure frowned, before she gasped. "Oh no… You don't think she and Rai found something out, do you?" Revolver put a hand to his chin, pondering the question. His lips formed a sly smile.
"So, what if she and Rai did find something out?" Revolver remarked. "It's still not enough for her and Rai to investigate further." He paused for a moment before continuing. "But it is inevitable that she and Rai will eventually try to either find me or lure me out. With Playmaker on their side, it'll make this upcoming battle even harder."
"You almost make it sound like you want them to find out though." She accused with a frown. "You do realize what would happen if they found out the truth, right?" Revolver closed his soulless yellow eyes for a few moments, then reopened them.
"Yes." He replied. "I would be the most hated human to ever live. Especially by your siblings." The hooded figure flinched at this.
"Revolver." She spoke sadly.
"And it won't be long till they find out." The two looked up to see a man standing over to them. He had spikish white hair, green eyes shown through his demonic black mask, and wearing a black version of the Knights of Hanoi attire lined in silver.
"Beelzebub!" The figure gasped.
"The reason Miho had questioned you about Kiyoshi was because she and Rai infiltrated SOL Technologies data bank a few days ago." Beelzebub told Revolver.
"They did what?!" She gasped, shocked.
"Not only that, but they found Kiyoshi's file being classified as 'dead' to SOL Technologies." Beelzebub frowned.
"Oh no." She choked. "Revolver this bad."
"Tsk…" Revolver grit his teeth. "So they now know the truth then….."
"I can only stall them for so long, but if worst comes to worst..." Beelzebub frowned. "If they go in too deep…"
"You're not suggesting..." She began, her face paling.
"We have to think worst case scenarios. You two need to stay intact for this plan to work." Beelzebub frowned. "And those two aren't stupid. Even if it's until the plan is successful-"
"But to practically comatose them like Blue Angel is too much!" She interrupted frantically.
"If they get in the way, then they will be comatose like Blue Angel was." Revolver spoke firmly, a frown on his face. "I wouldn't want to comatose them like we did to Blue Angel. But if they involved… There's no choice but to do it to them like we did to Blue Angel."
"You can't be serious Revolver! This is Miho and Rai we're talking about! The two people we hold dear the most!" She yelled. "Are you seriously telling me we have to go this far?!"
"...Yes." Revolver replied softly. "That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm willing to go that far if it means the eradication of the Ignis….. Even though I do not like it."
"Of course, you wouldn't like it. Especially if it's to Miho." Beelzebub scowled.
"Regardless, orders are orders." Revolver added.
"No way…" The hooded figure spoke, shaking. Beelzebub looked at her for a moment then at Revolver and sighed.
"I'll talk with Faust, Baira, and Genome. See if we can find an alternative out of this. We won't be sure if we can wake them up if we do this. Better to find an alternative." He spoke. Revolver pinched the bridge of his nose in slight frustration.
"Alright fine." He retorted. "But if you, Baira, Faust and Genome cannot find an alternative, then we're doing this as we were ordered to. No if's, and's or but's about it."
"Hmph. Like you'd go through with it." Beelzebub smirked knowingly. "You're too kind after all, no matter your claims." With that, Beelzebub left them. The hooded figure slumped to the floor; on her knees.
"H-Heh he knows you too well…Revolver." She squeaked.
"Yes...he does…" Revolver mused.
"Either way, we're both in deep hell once this is over; aren't we?" She spoke.
"Most likely." Revolver frowned, kneeling next to her. "I'm sorry for having to drag you into this."
"No, you don't have to apologize Revolver. I am doing this willing. After all, you did explain to me the risks." She said, facing him. "And if this becomes the wrong choice, then I will live with that. But I will always stand by your side and support you Revolver."
"And what of Father?" He asked.
"I am technically helping him, but it's more on your side." She admitted with a sheepish smile. "Sorry." He blinked before chuckling and patting her head.
"No, it's fine. But even so, thank you either way." He told her. She smiled as she allowed her hood to slip off to show long icy blue hair and gold eyes.
"No need for thanks Revolver." She smiled.
Miho walked into the card shop with a sigh Rai looking up from the counter. "How did it go?" He asked.
"Confusing to say the least." She frowned, leaning on the counter. "Ryoken told me that his Father didn't retire at all, yet confirmed he used to work in SOL Technologies."
"But Aso told us otherwise years ago." Rai frowned.
"I know. That's what confused me." She frowned. "Anyways, we got into a talk about Aunt Juliette and I had to drop the conversation. Did you know he's been searching for her all this time?"
"He has? And hasn't told us?" Rai said, shocked, and slightly offended.
"Yeah. I was shocked myself when he told me." She nodded.
"Guess Ryoken still hasn't forgiven her for just up and leaving the way she did." Rai frowned.
"Yeah." She agreed sadly. "Even I wonder why she left that day and so suddenly too."
"I remembered Mom and Dad talked that she and Uncle had been arguing a lot at the time. Guess she must've had enough." He sighed.
"But to just leave..." She began, before shaking her head. "Thinking about it is just going to get me on edge."
"Yeah. We should focus on the task at hand." He nodded.
"Did you and Touma find any other info on the files we took?" She asked.
"No sadly. SOL Technologies didn't hold much info on the Knights of Hanoi, nor explaining the Lost Incident." He frowned.
"So, we're back to square one until the Knights of Hanoi make an appearance in VRAINS." She frowned.
"For who knows how long." He frowned. The two were silent when the door opened again to show Touma walking in with some bags.
"Hey Rai, I got the groceries for dinner…" He blinked looking at the two with a sweatdrop. "Well this sure looks gloomy." He remarked.
People in Link VRAINS were having a great time dueling and talking when they noticed the sudden darkness coming from the sky.
"An eclipse?"
"An eclipse in Link VRAINS?"
"Is this an event?"
"No official event has been announced."
"Is it a bug?" Some buildings became staticed along with Duel Monsters that were on the field. Sparks stood next to Playmaker as they observed the eclipse. "What do you think Flare?" Sparks asked, looking up. Flare was standing on top of the pillar next to the two, flames of her program circling around her as she looked at the eclipse.
"I can tell it's no bug. But I have never seen anything like this." She admitted, as she locked her program, the flames, gone.
"Ancient people were scared, thinking eclipses were signs of cataclysms." Ai remarked. "But people are still scared?"
"More than you think." Playmaker spoke. "Even if technology advances, people haven't really changed."
"Really?" Ai remarked.
"The light hidden by the darkness." Flare remarked with a hum, sitting on the pillar.
"Huh? Do you mean the Lost Incident?" Ai questioned.
"The Lost Incident, Yukiko, many things." Sparks frowned.
"But we won't let the darkness bury all of it." Playmaker frowned. "We will bring the truth to light." Sparks smiled, patting Playmaker's shoulder.
"Of course. That's why we're here after all." He spoke.
"Naturally." Flare smirked.
"Alright, you two you're good to go." Miho and Rai both sat up from the examination tables they were laid on getting off. "Finally. Getting on that thing always makes me twitch." Miho sighed.
"Sorry Miho, but it's procedure." Kyoko Taki said with a gentle smile.
"Of course, she knows that Kyoko, but she can't help but hate it. She always gets fidgety in the doctors." Rai said in a teasing manner.
"Oh, shut up Rai!" Miho hissed at her twin. Kyoko giggled at the two before slowly becoming serious.
"Are you two planning on going to VRAINS later?" She asked lightly. The two looked up to face their doctor/family friend.
"Yeah that's the idea. We're planning on doing some scouting and such." Miho began.
"Please don't." Kyoko spoke quickly. The two looked surprised by Kyoko's sudden reply. She softly gasped before giving a small frown.
"Kyoko is there something you're not telling us?" Rai asked worried.
"No, it's just… Have you two heard about the Anothers?" Kyoko frowned.
"I have. It's this incident that's been going on with people being forced to log in Link VRAINS and become comatose in a sense." Miho frowned.
"Yes, that's right. That's why I think it's dangerous for you two to be going into VRAINS at the moment." Kyoko frowned. The two looked at one another for a moment, both frowning before facing Kyoko again.
"You worry too much Kyoko. We'll be careful." Miho said with a small smile.
"Yeah; nothing has happened to us yet." Rai assured with a smile. Kyoko looked at them shocked as they walked to the door.
"So, don't worry yourself about us." Miho smiled.
"We can take care of ourselves." Rai assured. With that, the two left the room leaving Kyoko there frowning worried.
"This will not do if those two continue." Kyoko began frowning.
Touma was observing the hospital camera of the Another victims with a frown in the computer room when Miho and Rai walked in.
"How was the doctor?" Touma asked.
"Same as always. We're healthy as horses." She hummed.
"Any changes?" Rai questioned.
"No. So far none of the doctors have figured out what had happened to them." Touma answered.
"This is most likely the result of something that had happened to their avatars in VRAINS." Rai frowned.
"In other words, if we can figure out who's the next victim, we can get the jump on whoever is doing this." She voiced.
"According to the data, all the Another victims have three common traits." Touma said, typing on the computer to show the data. "They're all exceptional duelists."
"They use the old type duel disk." Rai frowned.
"And they're all hackers." Miho finished.
"In other words, Playmaker is the target." Rai concluded. "Or most likely Ai."
"Then this could be the Knight of Hanoi's work." She growled.
"We don't know for certain yet, too early to conclude it." Touma frowned.
"The only way to find out is to catch them." She said.
"There are some likely targets." Touma remarked, typing.
"Luckily I already have found some this one being the first." Rai said, typing on the computer to bring up a picture.
"Makoto Kimishima, 16 years old." Miho read. "He even goes to the same school Yusaku does."
"Which means if Yusaku and Kusanagi heard about this, then they'll most likely try to stop this and would go to where Kimishima lives." Rai said.
"That puts us in a hard place. We don't want him to know we know his identity. But at the same time." Miho began with a frown.
"Well this could be a good a time as any. You know I mean you three finding out about the other's identity was bound to come up sooner or later." Touma sighed.
"He's got a point." Rai chuckled. Miho scowled at Rai, but knew that both of them were right.
"Alright. It would actually make things a whole lot easier if we get it out in the open anyway." She sighed.
"Then tonight we'll go to the area of Kimishima's home and see what happened." Rai nodded.
"I'll contact you two when I find something." Touma said.
"This is where Kimishima lives right?" Miho questioned, she and Rai walking next to the building.
"Yeah. His room is on the top floor on the left." Rai nodded, hands in his jacket pockets.
"So how should we go about this?" She began with a frown.
"Wait look." He frowned. They looked to see the window and saw a light, making them gasp as they quickly ran into the building; rushing up the stairs and saw Yusaku pounding at the door. "Move aside!" She yelled. Yusaku looked shocked as she rushed to the door and slammed it open. There they saw Makoto Kimishima's comatose body.
"We're too late." Rai frowned, rushing to the boy's body.
"Wait look." She spoke, pointing to the computer. The three looked to see it seeing Makoto in VRAINS being backed on a cliff as someone walked up to him.
"Is that Makoto Kimishima's avatar inside Link VRAINS?" Yusaku questioned.
"But who's the other guy?" Ai couldn't help but question.
"This is your last chance." The man spoke up. "Are you Playmaker?" Hearing his voice made Miho and Rai grew wide eyed in shock.
That voice! Rai thought.
Impossible! Miho thought horrified.
"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not!" Makoto spoke.
"I have one more question." The man said. "Is your AI an Ignis?"
"I don't have an AI!" Makoto yelled.
"I thought so. That's what everyone says." The man said, showing himself.
Genome! Miho and Rai thought horrified.
"Oh well. I'll have you sleep here." Genome spoke, raising his hand. "Good night." Genome launched a white haze at Makoto, causing him to cry out and then fall off the cliff; making them gasp when suddenly.
"Makoto!" Go Onizuka rode on the Data Storm before jumping off to catch Makoto. "That's-!" Ai gaped.
"Go Onizuka!" Yusaku spoke. Go managed to catch Makoto before falling in the water before getting out.
"Makoto, open your eyes..." Go said desperately.
"I was wondering who it was." Go looked up to face Genome, who appeared in front of him. "You're the charisma duelist, Go Onizuka." Genome remarked. "But you're no longer in the Top 50 most popular duelists."
"Be quiet! What have you done to Makoto?!" Go demanded.
"I put a computer virus into him." Genome smirked.
"What?!" Go spoked, shocked. "Heal Makoto right now!"
"Then join the hunt for Playmaker." Genome told him.
"Hunt Playmaker?" Go repeated, surprised.
"If you give Playmaker to us, the Knights of Hanoi , we will give you the virus removal program." Genome explained to him, holding up the program.
"Knights of Hanoi? I won't become your lackey!" Go frowned.
"I see. Then I'll leave him as is, just like the other victims." Genome smirked, putting away the program.
"How dare you! Who are you?!" Go demanded.
"My name is Dr. Genome! If you see Playmaker tell him this." Genome smirked. "If he doesn't want any more Another victims, then appear before me immediately."
"He's an expert at tickling your sense of justice." Ai muttered so Miho and Rai wouldn't hear him.
"Contact me if you change your mind." Genome told Go. "I hope you respond favorably. See you." With that, Genome logged out as the three watched Miho and Rai in shock while Yusaku frowned.
"It's clear that the Knights of Hanoi created the Anothers." He spoke. And their target is me.
Revolver stood alone a frown on his face.
If Hanoi's program activates, the Lost Incident's records will be erased, and I'll never know Playmaker's identity. He thought. Then a screen appeared to show Kiyoshi.
"The plan is coming together." Kiyoshi told Revolver.
"So Hanoi's program will…" Revolver began.
"Soon be complete." Kiyoshi finished with a nod. "And then…"
"Yes." Revolver agreed with a frown.
"What's wrong? What's with the long face?" Kiyoshi questioned.
"I want a little time." Revolver spoke.
"Time? For what?" Kiyoshi questioned.
"I want to settle things with someone." Revolver said.
"You mean Playmaker." Kiyoshi stated. Revolver's frown deepened, remembering his loss to Playmaker in their duel as the icy blue haired girl appeared on the screen next to Kiyoshi with a knowing look.
"You want to settle the score with him, don't you." She stated.
"I can't move on if I still lost to him." Revolver nodded.
"Well in that case, you should let him Uncle." She said to Kiyoshi.
"Alright. But I can't wait for long." Kiyoshi told Revolver.
"Understood." Revolver agreed.
"Good luck then Revolver." She smiled. The screen then left, leaving Revolver alone.
Miho and Rai stood at the hall in the hospital overhearing Go and his manager and then Yusaku before they walked.
"Dammit! What the hell is going on?" Miho muttered. "Why is Genome?"
"I don't know. But I do know that something is not right." Rai frowned.
"Wait." The two stopped turning to face Yusaku who had spoken up to them.
"Oh, hey Yusaku." Miho remarked.
"You two… Why were you two in the area?" Yusaku questioned with a frown. "It's nowhere near your home or work areas."
"Can't we only say we were in the area?" She asked with a weak smirk.
"It's too much of a coincidence to claim you were in the area." Yusaku scowled. Miho frowned while Rai gave an amused smile turning to her.
"Come now Miho. We agreed to tell him the truth if it comes to it." He reminded her.
"Yeah, yeah I know." She sighed.
"What are you two talking about?" Yusaku glared.
"Now there is no need for the glare Yusaku." Rai chuckled, before he smirked. "Or better yet, Playmaker." Yusaku's eyes widened as Miho glanced at Rai with a deadpan look.
"Really now? Don't give him a heart attack." She said sarcastically, before facing Yusaku. "It's better we talk in private then here. Agreed?"
"Fine by me." Yusaku remarked.
"Best at Kusanagi's truck then. There, even Ai can talk." Miho said, walking to the door looking to see Yusaku's shocked face. "All will be explained, don't worry."
They reached Cafe Nagi as Yusaku opened the door. Kusanagi looking up to see him.
"Oh welcome back-!" Kusanagi stood up, shocked seeing Miho and Rai. "You two!"
"It's alright Kusanagi-san. They know who I am in VRAINS." Yusaku frowned, as they walked in the truck.
"They do?" Kusanagi asked, shocked, looking at the two.
"Wow. Have to say this is all impressive, and to fit it in here. No one would be the wiser." Rai remarked with an impressed smile, looking at Kusanagi's computer.
"I want to say thanks, but..." Kusanagi frowned.
"Come on. We both know that you guys already know who we are in VRAINS." Miho sighed, taking a seat.
"Flare and Spark Dragon." Yusaku frowned.
"Exactly." Rai grinned.
"So you knew Yusaku was Playmaker?!" Ai gaped shocked, coming out of the duel disk.
"We've found out a week after we met him. But we knew he figured out who we were, so we didn't bother saying anything about it." Miho shrugged.
"He was already suspicious of us at the time back then as well. No need to give him a reason to not trust us even more." Rai added.
"So you knew about us and that we knew who you two are, but didn't say a word. All in order to gain Yusaku's trust later over these years." Kusanagi stated.
"That's right. But we figured we'd let it all out now; considering the situation." Rai frowned.
" and the Anothers." Yusaku spoke.
"Yeah. It's obvious now that the Knights of Hanoi are trying to target you with the Another virus in order to get Ai. At this rate, there will be more victims." Rai said.
"But we can't just give them Ai though." Miho frowned.
"We need to find out the truth of the Lost Incident and get your sister back." Yusaku added in agreement.
"But we can't let this continue." Kusanagi frowned.
"We won't." Yusaku remarked.
"But isn't there someone else we should be worried about?" Ai spoke up.
"Go Onizuka." Miho frowned. "He knows one of the victims. Push comes to shove, he'll no doubt step in."
"If he hasn't already." Yusaku spoke.
"But can he even beat Genome is the question." Rai frowned.
"Hmm? You make it sound like you know that ." Ai remarked. At once, both Miho and Rai winced at Ai's words; the two frowning.
"Eh?! You two do know him?!" Ai questioned, a shocked expression on his face.
"Genome… He's a family friend. He worked alongside our parents who were also scientists before they had died in an accident years ago." Rai spoke.
"He was one of the other people who helped look after us, along with Touma and our aunt." Miho frowned.
"And before you make any accusations, we had no idea he was a Knight of Hanoi whatsoever." Rai frowned. "If we had known…"
"Had either of you been in contact with him?" Kusanagi questioned.
"A week and a half ago, but he didn't seem suspicious or anything. Our own fault for not seeing anything I suppose." Rai sighed.
"Don't even go there." Miho snapped. "For right now, we have to confront Genome ourselves and question him."
"Then let's go." Yusaku spoke.
"Hold on look." Kusanagi spoke up. They looked at the screens in the main square to show lackeys of the Knights of Hanoi beating duelists. "The Knights of Hanoi are running wild in LINK VRAINS." Kusanagi frowned. "Their target is Playmaker, but they're indiscriminately dueling everyone; turning losers into Anothers."
"Which is why we have to go." Yusaku said.
"No we'll go. You stay put." Miho frowned.
"She's right. They won't duel you fairly. It's too dangerous." Kusanagi said. Yusaku crossed his arms at that.
"I've faced them just about as many times as you 2." Yusaku countered. "I know they don't play fair. It's just all the more reason for me to go."
"And you forgot we've fought them longer than you. We know their tricks like the back of our hand." She scowled, standing up. "We can't take the chance on losing Ai. And since we're as much a threat to them, they'll want to target me and Rai as well. Which will make it easier for us to take them down. So you're staying put."
"Oh dear. They're butting heads at each other already." Rai sweatdropped, standing next to Kusanagi.
"This could take a while." Kusanagi agreed with a sweatdrop.
"What about me?! I'm in the middle here!" Ai called.
"Be quiet." Yusaku told Ai.
"Right." Ai squeaked. Rai only sighed. When he heard cheering, he looked up and grew wide eyed, surprised.
"Uh guys, you might want to see this." He spoke up. They looked up and were surprised to see Playmaker fighting the Hanoi grunts. "Who's that?" Yusaku questioned.
"He's clearly you." Ai remarked.
"Don't joke Ai." Miho sighed. "It looks like someone is using a program to disguise themselves as Playmaker."
"And whoever it is, they're clearly doing well." Rai remarked, watching the fake Playmaker beat the grunts before he gasped. "Look!" They looked to see Dr. Genome riding near the fake Playmaker.
"So he showed up." Miho frowned.
"I remember seeing your program, Go Onizuka!" Genome smirked. The crowd were speaking up in surprise and confusion by the sudden news.
"It's his first appearance in a while, so he's going all out." Ai remarked.
"Be quiet." Yusaku told him again.
"Telling him that gets old real fast you know." Miho told Yusaku, as they watched Go, reveal himself. They watched as Go challenged Genome to a duel for the Another removal program with Playmaker's identity on the line.
"Does he really know your identity?" Ai questioned.
"Who knows." Yusaku frowned.
"You met Go Onizuka in person right?" Kusanagi questioned. "Did something happen?"
"No." Yusaku answered with a frown.
"It could be a bluff in order to have Genome duel Go." Rai pointed out, seeing Genome form the Data Gale. "What in the?!"
"He must've increased the density of the Data Storm to create an area where they can use D-Boards." Kusanagi frowned.
"Are you going to go help him?" Ai asked. "If he loses, Playmaker's identity will be revealed."
"He couldn't have known when you met him at the hospital, could he?" Kusanagi asked Yusaku. Yusaku shook his head.
"There's no way he could possibly know." Yusaku noted.
"So like Rai said, Go bluffed him to hook Genome in." Ai said.
"And now he's dueling him, just like we thought." Miho frowned, as they watched the duel begin.
"You sound worried." Ai remarked.
"Genome is no ordinary duelist. He's tough. We know that better than anyone." Miho said, Rai nodding in agreement.
"See for yourselves." Rai spoke.
They watched as Genome Summoned Helixx Marmotroll on his field with no Tribute as Go began his turn; Summoning Gouki Thunder Ogre and making a heel turn, going by Dark Onizuka.
"Isn't that a bit tacky?" Ai questioned.
"He must've changed his battling style." Yusaku remarked.
"Yeah. A heel turn is a pro wrestling term." Kusanagi said. "Babyface into a heel. It means he's changed into a bad guy."
"A bad guy huh." Miho hummed.
Go Summons Riscorpio and attacks Marmatroll and be destroyed to increase Thunder Ogre's ATK and deal effect damage to Genome.
"He sacrificed his teammate to gain an advantage in the duel." Ai remarked.
"That's how a heel battles." Yusaku said.
"Pretty different to Go Onizuka's dueling. But gotta say it is efficient." Rai remarked. Miho nodded when she grew wide eyed, seeing a shadow in one of the buildings before disappearing.
"Huh?" She frowned, confused.
"Something wrong?" Rai questioned lowly.
"I think I saw something in one of the buildings Genome and Onizuka passed." Miho whispered.
"Did you get a look?" He frowned.
"No, they passed too fast for me to see. Plus, I think it moved, so I'm sure it's a person." She said, seeing Genome Summon Gothiclone.
"Someone observing the duel. A Knight of Hanoi?" He questioned.
"Could be in case Genome loses maybe." She frowned.
"Should we step in?" He questioned.
"Not unless they do something." She told him.
Soon they saw Genome corner Go with his combo of Gothiclone and Necro Darwin, but by using Gouki Octostretch's effect to reduce halve the damage; leaving him with only 200 LP.
"This is getting out of hand fast." Miho scowled. Yusaku was going to the back. "You're going?" Kusanagi questioned.
"Yeah." Yusaku nodded.
"We're going too then. We got to question Genome anyway." Rai frowned.
"Let's go then." Miho nodded. They went to the truck; quickly going to LINK VRAINS.
"You may have survived by using Gouki Octostretch's effect, but I won't let up!" Genome smirked. "Necro Darwin's effect from my graveyard!"
"Tch. This damage can't stop me." Go muttered, kneeling on his D-Board.
"Necro Darwin is Special Summoned next to Gothiclone's link!" Genome said, as the Helixx Link monster flew back on the field. "When a Link Monster is Special Summoned from the graveyard, my Skill activates! Preserved Species! Your monster's ATK is halved, along with your Life Points!" Necro Darwin launched a dark wave; halving Dark Thunder Ogre's ATK and then launched tiny bombs that exploded around Go halving his LP to 100.
"AAAHH!" He cried out, being sent flying. Go managed to stay on his D-Board, Genome smirking.
"I end my turn. However just give up." Genome said. "Your cornered in both offense and defense. Admit defeat." Go panted then looked up to see the wind tornado.
"The wind?" He wondered.
"You want to know my identity that badly, ?" They looked to see Playmaker, Flare, and Sparks flew down from the wind on their D-Boards, Genome grew wide eyed upon seeing Flare and Sparks but quickly turned his gaze to Playmaker.
"So, you finally appear Playmaker!" He smirked. "And Ignis!"
"Humph! I have a cool name! It's Ai you DNA lover!" Ai yelled, popping out from the duel disk.
"Didn't he used to not like his name?" Sparks muttered to Flare, amused, making her scoff.
"He named you?" Genome questioned, surprised before he smirked. "You've been domesticated like a pet."
"Not true! Woof!" Ai yelled.
"Playmaker, you're here to rescue Dark Onizuka?" Genome questioned, amused.
Playmaker glanced at Go before smirking much to their surprise.
"Don't get the wrong idea." He said, much to their surprise. "You said you'll decide your own destiny and duel. So, I came to laugh at you when you lose."
"Say what?!" Go yelled angrily. Flare sweatdropped and facepalmed while Sparks gave a weak chuckle.
"Doesn't take much to provoke him." He said.
"To laugh at him of all the." Flare muttered lowly.
" , you said there are limits to DNA. But I believe in humanity's potential." Playmaker spoke.
"You're lecturing me?" Genome smirked. "I was able to create this because I know the limits of DNA. I will annihilate the Ignis; the AI with free will. I'll combine and evolve its DNA to create the most powerful being!"
"Is he always like that?" Ai questioned Flare and Sparks, who both sighed.
"Remember this: As long as people have strong free will, they can evolve further and surpass your dueling!" Playmaker said. "That's what makes a true duelist!"
"Playmaker…" Go spoke up. "The duel isn't over yet! Watch me evolve!" Go sped up while they followed.
"Least he's going for it." Flare remarked, glancing at Genome. "And hopefully he can beat him."'
Go managed to beat Genome with his Link 4 ace monster Gouki The Master Ogre its attack sending Genome crashing to the ground with his LP down to 0 Go landed next to Genome retrieving the virus removal program from him. "I'm taking the virus removal program as promised." Go told him.
"Good guy to heel, heel to good guy. You call that evolving?" Genome questioned.
"I make the evolution process entertaining that's why I'm the worlds #1 entertainer Go Onizuka!" Go said.
Genome only chuckled.
"You'll regret defeating me." He told him.
"Genome!" Genome gasped before looking to see Flare and Sparks landing and rushing to his side. Go looking at the two, surprised as Playmaker landed as well. "You two." Genome spoke.
"Genome why? Why did you join the Knights of Hanoi?" Flare demanded. "You know what they've done and who they took from us! So why?!"
"Genome, don't tell me you were a member even before the kidnapping." Sparks frowned.
"Kidnapping?" Go questioned, surprised.
"I was. But you two need to know that there was a reason why we had to take her." Genome told them.
"A reason?" Flare questioned with a frown.
"She too important to our cause to the plan of killing the Ignis. That's why we had to take her." Genome explained.
"Why?!" Flare demanded, grabbing his collar. "How is she important in all this?!"
"I cannot say but-"
*BAM* They all gasped, shocked, Flare and Sparks horrified, upon seeing the bullet wound on Genome's chest as he was purged.
"Genome!" Sparks yelled.
"Honestly making me do their dirty work is a pain." They turned to see Beelzebub a scowl on his face holding a handheld shotgun.
"Who are you?" Playmaker demanded.
"I am Beelzebub. I work for the Knights of Hanoi." Beelzebub spoke lightly.
"Eh?! Then why did you shoot your ally?!" Ai said shocked.
"You misinterpret my words." Beelzebub scowled. "I work for them; not with them. They have a similar goal to my own, so I do what needs to be done for them. Including purging one of their own."
"How dare you!" Flare growled, standing furiously.
"I suggest pulling out of the fight Flare Dragon, Spark Dragon the one you seek won't be returned until we do what needs to be done but if you do not." Beelzebub pointed his gun at them both. "Then I will personally deal with you both."
"If you think we'll back down so easily." Sparks began with a frown.
"I don't. I am only giving you a warning; that is all." Beelzebub told him. Then Beelzebub saw a message through his mask, making him lower his gun. "It seems I need to take my leave." He said, putting away his gun turning to leave.
"Wait!" Flare yelled, running after him. But Beelzebub disappeared before Flare could reach him making her growl in annoyance.
"He got away." Flare spat.
"Beelzebub. I don't recall us meeting him before." Sparks frowned. "But no doubt he is dangerous." Flare frowned deeply before turning to face Go.
"You got what you needed from Genome, but what will you do now?" She questioned. Go looked between the two and Playmaker before speaking.
"I do plan on defeating Playmaker, but the Knights of Hanoi are destroying LINK VRAINS. So I'll be defeating them first!" He said. "You three can join me if you wish."
"Right." Playmaker said lightly.
"Hmph. We've been battling them way before you, so don't get cocky." Flare scoffed.
"Though it be a relief to have you on our side." Sparks said with a faint smile, glancing to the side. "And what about you Blue Angel?" They looked to see Blue Angel stepping out of her hiding place silently to face them.
Over time Playmaker, Go, Flare, and Sparks began battling and defeating members of the Knights of Hanoi in order to gain info on what they were planning. But each time they would be purged before they could gain any information. In the hideout of the Knights of Hanoi, Baira had purged another lacky with a sigh.
"This is becoming a chore." She turned to face Beelzebub and she could tell, even with his mask, he was greatly annoyed.
"Those four continue to lessen the numbers of those lackies we have to purge. It's getting on my nerves." He scowled. "Isn't the plan ready yet?"
"You can't rush these kinds of things." She frowned.
"Tch. You're only main concern is Revolver and not wanting him to go through with it; knowing he'll become the biggest criminal to ever live if he does." Beelzebub scoffed. She twitched in anger at his words.
"You go on saying those words as if you don't care." She began.
"Because I don't." He frowned, making her gasp. "What happens to all of you is of no concern to me. I only joined you for the sake of the girl; nothing more. She is my only priority." He held up his gun to emphasize his point. "Hence why it's my job to purge you and Faust in case you don't do your job right. Just like I did with Genome." She glared angrily at him as he put back his gun looking at the screen. "And it looks like we got some annoyances." He remarked. She turned to see AI duelists defeating the grunts. "Guess SOL Technologies finally finished creating that AI duelist army."
"Then we have to deal with this." They turned to see Faust walking to them. Beelzebub scowled.
"When you say we." He began.
"Yes. You as well Beelzebub. It'll be quick work with the three of us." Faust said. Beelzebub scowled, but relented.
"Fine. Better than doing all these purges I suppose." He said.
"Found anything?"
"No nothing yet." Miho and Rai were in the computer room, both swiftly typing on separate keyboards hoping to find leads on the creator of the virus.
"I bet Yusaku and Kusanagi are having a hard time finding a lead like we are." Rai remarked with a strained smile.
"Who wouldn't? And where's Touma? He should be here to help us." She scowled.
"I sent him out to get groceries. He's stressed out as is helping us in Link VRAINS. He deserves to get some fresh air." Rai told her.
"Yeah you're right." She agreed with a sigh. "We have been making him go through some tough work ever since we began our battle to get Yukiko back. He's done so much to help us."
"Once this is all over, I say we let him have a much-needed vacation out of the City." Rai smiled.
"Yeah. A nice beach will do him good." She chuckled. He chuckled then looked at the other screen and grew wide eyed in shock.
"No way!" He gasped.
"What's wrong Rai?" She questioned, looking up at him.
"Look at this!" He said, pointing at the screen. She followed his gaze and gasped in shock to see the AI duelists being defeated one by one by Beelzebub and two familiar faces. "Kyoko? Aso?" She gasped shocked.
"First Genome now those two. Just what is going on?!" He scowled.
Aurasoul: And it is done!
Miho: You're making this hurt for us.
Aurasoul: That's the idea so until then everyone read and review!
