DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! It is a property of Konami. This is a work of fiction. Any relations to places, persons and characters, living and dead, are purely coincidental.

"I owe you a lot. More than I think I'll ever be able to repay. You helped myself, the others, and helped Yugi grow stronger… You're truly someone I can call a friend."

"Heheheh~ Man, I can't wait. You and me, man! We're going all the way to the top! We'll be the Kings of Games, just watch!"

"It feels like our first meeting was nothing but a dream. Even so, I'm glad to have met you. You are both my greatest comrade…and someone I'm proud to call a friend."

"I really say this a lot and pretty much all the time, but I'm gonna say it anyway. You're the best partner a guy can ask for. You, me, Astral… Let's do our best together!"

"I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough. You've saved my bacon more times than I can count. That's why, if you ever need help, don't be afraid to ask. It's the least I can do!"

YOU...

…

…YOU ARE MORE THAN I DARED HOPE FOR.

Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS
TAG FORCE: LINK REVOLUTION — prologue —

…black.

That's all there is in front me. A world made of pitch-black darkness. There's nothing here. There is no one here, no sound to latch on to, not even a light to guide me. It's desolate and dreary and lonely.

I open my mouth and call out to someone—anyone who would listen. My echoing voice carries over the air, but there is no response.

I can't remember how I found myself here. My memories are a mess. I can't even remember my own name. Where is this place?

I begin walking forward. My footsteps echoing loudly in this vacant space. Each step I take creates a 'clacking' noise as though I were stepping on solid ground. I could move freely, but I can't displace this feeling of nostalgia. There is nothing here, nothing for me to recognize, but it feels as though I've been here before.

I walk for what must be ten minutes before I realize something has changed. I'm no longer walking on shadows, but solid ground. Beneath my feet is a floor painted in black-and-white squares, almost like a chessboard.

"Oh, you've returned," a voice calls out to me. I say someone calls out as if they had a voice, but I hear nothing. It is more as if I could see words forming in my own head, thoughts that were not my own. "Off on another journey, perhaps?"

"A journey?" I ask in confusion.

There is a brief moment of silence. "Do you not remember?"

I shake my head.

"Hm, you must half-asleep. Tell me, do you remember your name?"

"My name?"

The question echoes in both the void and in my head. I search my mind for an answer, but all I come up with is a garbled mess. I can remember the faces of people, my friends, flashing by before fragmenting and scattering. It's like I am putting together a puzzle, trying to remember who they were.

I can't remember my name precisely. My friends had several names for me. Sometimes they sounded natural, others ridiculous as though it were a nickname. But one name in particular sticks out. The name almost everyone universally calls me by.

"Red Hat," after the red cap I wore atop my head.

The voice hums, "I see… Well, at least you recall something. Don't worry, you'll remember everything when you wake up."

Wake up? Is this a dream? I want to ask those questions out loud, but my ears catch something echoing in the darkness. The sound of feet touching the ground, steadily growing closer and closer towards me.

There is someone else here.

"It looks like you're not fully aware yet," the voice muses. "Maybe this will help stir you awake. But please be careful, ▅▅▅▅."

A name, my name I think, but it's obscured. Before I can ask them to repeat it, the figure approaching me steps onto the checkered floor and makes themselves known.

It's a man, dressed in pristine white-and-gray clothing. The left half of his face is disfigured by metal, skin pale and hair a two-toned gray color. His left eye is light red with a thin mark running down his cheek. There is a sense of pride and mania, but at the same time, I feel a sense of melancholy and despair. Two conflicting existences making up his person.

…I knew this man. My memories, as jumbled as they are, still let me recognize him.

Placido.

His expression is utterly neutral. The look in his eyes tells me he doesn't even see me. I don't see anything reflected in his gaze at all. Then I realized why. This is not him. This is something else; it's Placido in appearance, but whatever it is, it lacks something vital, almost perfectly mimicking him, but still leaving a piece of Placido it cannot replicate.

The false Placido raises his arm. A silver-and-gold Duel Disk materializes over his wrist, a deck sitting comfortably in the slot. The Duel Disk's 'arm' folds open and begins to extend, increasing in length until it reaches its owner's elbow.

I frown slightly, now convinced that this is not the Placido I knew. He would not use a normal Duel Disk, not even to save his life. His pride would not allow it.

"I think this should be a good warm-up for you," the voice remarks happily. "After all, who better to help you shake off all that rust than your 'father'?"

I choose to ignore that last bit because of how wrong it sounds. I raise my arm to reciprocate the fake Placido's action, but stop when I see the Duel Disk I am wearing. It isn't one I recognize. It looks more like a wristband with a bulky metal plate in the center, crafted in a hexagon shape with a gold ring surrounding a red LED screen in the center.

"That's your Duel Disk," the voice helpfully informs me. "It's different from the one you used to own, though. All your cards are inside that Duel Disk digitally."

My deck was stored inside digitally? How was that even possible? Unsure how to work it exactly, I tap the LED screen in the center. When I do, a holograph screen opens up in front of me. On the screen is an assortment of information, both about my opponent and the deck housed inside.

"…?"

I frown when I see my deck.

These cards… I don't recognize them. Is this really my deck?

"Yes, it's yours," the voice informs me. "Or rather, it's the deck I gave you. Don't worry, all the other cards you've collected over the years, and the ones from your friends, are still there. Also, you might want to hurry up. Your 'father' is getting antsy."

I shake my head, deciding I can figure this out later. For now, I have to duel and defeat the opponent in front of me. This deck is going to take some time getting used to, but as they say, 'experience is the best teacher.'

My Duel Disk links with Fake Placido's. A sense of excitement fills my being, a sensation I can't quite explain. This rush feels familiar.

Instinctively, I yell at the top of my lungs, joining the Fake Placido's own yell.

"Duel!"

RED HAT vs. FAKE PLACIDO

[Speed Duel Format]

LP 8000

I frown as the game began, the Duel Field manifesting. At the same time, cards form in front of me. On the other side, Fake Placido draws a number of cards.

In Duel Monsters, both players draw five cards from the top of their deck and start with ten zones. Five Main Monster Zones, and five Spell/Trap Zones. After the first turn, players draw a card after the second turn starts.

But, that isn't how the duel was playing out at all. Something about this duel has changed. Instead of there being ten zones, there were eight. Three Monster Zones and three Spell/Trap Zones. In between both our fields, placed above the first and third Monster Zones, is a different zone that I don't know about at all. Stranger still, there are only four cards in our hands instead of five.

What is this?

"This is the kind of duel you'll get used to soon enough," the voice tells me. "Speed Duels have both players start off with four cards and three zones. The two new Zones you see are called the Extra Monster Zone. Monsters summoned from the Extra Deck can only be summoned there unless you activate an effect that specifies otherwise."

"My Turn," Fake Placido starts. "I activate the Field Magic Meklord Emperor's Royal Throne. When Meklord Emperor's Royal Throne is activated, I Special Summon up to two Level 4 or lower "Meklord Army" monsters from the deck and ignore their summoning conditions. During the End Phase, if they are still present on the field, they will be destroyed. I summon Meklord Army of Wisel (DARK/Machine/Effect/LV4/ATK1800/DEF0)!"

Two metal machines appear on his field, their right arms coated in heavy steel while their left arm resembles a rifle.

"Appear, the circuit of despair!" Fake Placido swings his arm upward, sparks running across his arm. Moments later, a metal ring with red cursors surrounding it manifested above us. "Arrowheads confirmed. The summoning condition is two "Meklord Army" monsters. I set both Meklord Army of Wisel into the Link Markers! Link Summon!"

The machines that brought a future to the brink of ruin lose cohesion, metal becoming bodies of white light that shoot upward, one of them entering the top cursor while the other enters the bottom.

A strange sensation overwhelms me. I know this sensation, but feel different compared to the times I've experienced it before.

When monsters were fused together, the sensation was of monsters losing their forms, breaking down and reforming together. When a monster were "fine-tuned" with one another, they would break down and reconstruct into something more powerful, like destroying a LEGO castle, then building a new one using the same parts. When constructing the Overlay Network, monsters became part of the foundation and acted like homing beacons, calling out to whatever was waiting outside before it answered the call. When the pendulum swung, it echoed our heart's truest desires and called out to our monsters, no matter the boundary.

This sensation I feel now is different compared to those times. I feel the presences of Fake Placido's monsters, mere copies of the ones I knew of, and feel how they give up their forms to become part of a machine, a machine that is part of a much bigger machine, running at top speed and seeking out something.

Moments later, that 'something' manifests.

At first, I think it's Placido's ace monster. Its form is different, however, its body lacking a lower body. It consists of only a torso with large arms, dark-blue steel coating the bracers over its wrists and face, oddly resembling a helm. The black body beneath the armor is marked by glowing blue and green lines.

"Link 2! Meklord Emperor Wisel – Link Ascendant (WIND/Machine/Link/Effect/Top, Bottom/ATK0/2)!"

Link Summon? Was that what this power is called?

"Link Summon, like Fusion, Synchro or Xyz Summoning, requires monsters," the voice explains. "Sometimes they require monsters of certain types or monsters of a certain Level. They might not have DEF, but they make up for it with the power they gain from being connected."

Connected… Did that mean the Link Arrows? I notice that this monster has two red arrows pointing to both my Main Monster Zone and the Fake Placido's. But what did that mean exactly? What kind of power did these Link Monsters have? I suppose I'll find out soon enough.

"Link Ascendant gains 200 ATK for every "Meklord" monster in the Graveyard. As there is now a Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, all Machines on my field gain 500 ATK and DEF (Wisel - Link Ascendant: ATK0→900). Thanks to Royal Throne's effect. I activate Link Ascendant's effect. Once per turn, I summon a "Meklord Emperor" monster from the deck and ignore its summon conditions. Come to me, the embodiment of my despair! Meklord Emperor Wisel (DARK/Machine/Effect/LV1/ATK2500/DEF2500)!"

A dreadfully familiar sight appeared in front of me; a towering metal giant clad in white steel, neck elongated like that of a snake with a curved blade mounted on its left wrist.

"Thanks to Machine Emperor's Royal Throne, Wisel gains 500 ATK and DEF (Wisel: ATK2500→3000/DEF2500→3000).Furthermore, Link Ascendant gains Wisel's ATK as its own as it is now next to its Link Arrow (Link Ascendant: ATK900→3400). However, so long as Wisel is next to Link Ascendant, it cannot declare an attack. In exchange, so long as Wisel is linked to Link Ascendant, it cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effect, I set a card face-down and end my turn."

I stared at Fake Placido's field for a moment, studying what I could. Two monsters with 3000 ATK or more was nothing to sniff at, not to mention one was a monster I was utterly familiar with. There was also the matter of the cards at my disposal; cards unfamiliar to me who were about to see battle at my side for the first time. If this faker was as strong as the real thing, then I needed to learn how to use these cards and fast.

I inhaled deeply, calming my nerves and exhaled.

"…my Turn. Draw!" I took the card that emerged from my Duel Disk and glanced at it. This might be useful later on. "I set two cards face-down and summon Balancer Lord (LIGHT/Cyberse/Effect/LV4/ATK1700/DEF1200)."

Appearing in front of me was a robotic soldier, white-and-green-and-blue colored armor covering its upper torso, feet and head with sword and shield in hand.

"I activate Balancer Lord's effect. Once per turn, I pay 1000 Life Points to perform a second Normal Summon, so long as the monster in question is a Cyberse monster."

RED HAT LP: 8000→7000

"Since I control a Cyberse monster on the field, I can Special Summon Processlayer Equalizer (WIND/Cyberse/Effect/LV4/ATK1200/DEF800) from my hand."

Appearing at Balancer Lord's side was a machine colored pale lime-green, armor sleek and wielding twin daggers.

"Next, I activate the Magic Card Processlayer Equation Code. I excavate six cards from the bottom of my deck. For each "Processlayer" monster I excavate, I draw a card. The maximum I can draw is three." Six cards popped out from my deck. I look at the cards and smiled. "I excavated three "Processlayer" monsters, therefore I draw the maximum three cards allowed. By targeting a face-up monster on the field and lowering that monster's ATK by 1000, I can Special Summon Processlayer Subtra (FIRE/Cyberse/Effect/LV4/ATK1000/DEF1000) from my hand."

A rust-red machine appeared to my side, a sharp blade resting at its hip while a tattered cloak covered most of its body. When it appeared, Processlayer Equalizer groaned as its power began to wane (Processlayer Equalizer: ATK1200→200).

"When summoned this way, I can't Special Summon any monsters from the Extra Deck, except Cyberse monsters."

Not that I was worried about that particular effect. Almost all of the monsters in my Extra Deck were Cyberse monsters, and one of them in particular was very powerful. The only problem was that the monster in question was a Synchro Monster. Against someone like Placido, fake or not, that was extremely bad. Even if its effect prevented it from being affected by Wisel's effect, how certain could I be that this Fake Placido couldn't find a way around that?

For now, all I had to do was proceed forward and hope for the best.

"Using my Level 4 Processlayer Subtra, Processlayer Equalizer and Balancer Lord, I construct the Overlay Network!"

The faces of my friends from Heartland flashed through my mind. Before me was a nebula; a gathering mass of stars and lights belonging to a world unlike this one. A doorway to a place beyond here, where monsters awaited for the day they could be called upon. The three monsters I called forth all looked back at me with confidence before they willingly cast themselves into the nebula. Moments later, I heard the cry of the monster who answered my call.

"The waves of the world's mystery beckon you. Answer that mystery with thunderous light! Xyz Summon!"

A swirling wave of thunder and wind emerged from the nebula. In its center was a machine clad in gold-and-black metal, large boosters on its pack keeping it in flight and creating the writhing storm around its body, a long naginata held firmly in hand that cackled with yellow electricity.

"Appear, Rank 4! Batch Processlayer d'Alembertian (EARTH/Cyberse/Xyz/Effect/RANK4/ATK2000/DEF0)!"

"Royal Throne's effect," Fake Placido reminded me, his tone cold as ice. "As there is now another monster in the Extra Monster Zone, my Machines gain another 500 ATK and DEF (Wisel: ATK3000→3500) (Link Ascendant: ATK3400→3900)!"

At this, the presence of these monsters expanded greatly, making me grimace. Unfortunately, I had nothing at my disposal that could let me defend against those monsters. At best, I could fortify my defenses, but with the cards I had, there was no way I wasn't going to be taking any damage when Fake Placido's turn rolled by.

"I activate d'Alembertian's effect, using all three Overlay Units to add a Level 4 "Processlayer" monster to my hand. Finally, I summon ROM Cloudia (DARK/Cyberse/Effect/LV4/ATK1800/DEF0) in Defense Position." At my call, a black-furred sheep with bright pink horns covered in black armor appeared. "When Normal Summoned, I add a Cyberse monster in my Graveyard to my hand. I end my turn."

I wasn't able to do as much as I had hoped, but at the very least, I created a means to defend myself for the time being. That said, I knew my monsters wouldn't survive long against this Fake Placido. Even if he wasn't the genuine article, if his skills were anything like the original, he was going to utterly demolish my field.

"My Turn. Draw." Fake Placido began. "I activate the Magic Card Boon of the Meklord Emperor."

I frowned in confusion. Why the hell would he activate that? Granted, it had been a long time since I witnessed the power of the Meklord Emperor archetype in action, but I could still remember some of the cards.

The card Fake Placido activated, Boon of the Meklord Emperor, activates only when the controller has two "Meklord" monsters on the field and allows them to draw two cards. On the one hand, it's a great way to replenish your hand if you find yourself lacking a few cards. On the other hand, it also prevents the controller from initiating the Battle Phase.

What on earth was this guy thinking?

"I draw two cards. I activate the Quick-Play Magic Revenge of the Meklord Emperor. Once per turn, I target a face-up Meklord Emperor monster on my field and one monster on your field, then destroy both targets. I choose Meklord Emperor Wisel and Processlayer d'Alembertian. Additionally, you take damage equal to half of the targeted Meklord Emperor's ATK!"

I grimaced as Wisel leaped and wrapped its lithe body around d'Alembertian. Before my monster had a chance to retaliate, both were consumed in a fiery explosion. As my monster was right in front of me, I was near the blast and found myself being knocked back by it, my back meeting the ground.

RED HAT LP: 7000→5750

Fake Placido showed no emotion in my fumble, not even sneer or leering down at me as he continued. "As there is one less monster in the Extra Monster Zone, Wisel – Link Ascendant loses 500 ATK. It also loses 2500 ATK as it is no longer linked to Meklord Emperor Wisel (Wisel – Link Ascendant: ATK3900→900). Then I activate the Trap Card Meklord Astro Extermination. I target three "Meklord" monsters in my Graveyard and either add them to my hand or Special Summon them to the field. Until the end of my next turn, I cannot Special Summon any monsters except Machine Monsters. I add the two Meklord Army of Wisel and Meklord Emperor Wisel to my hand."

Did he intend to summon Wisel again? Or did he have something else in his sleeve?

"I send both Meklord Army of Wisel and my Meklord Emperor Wisel to the Graveyard and Special Summon Meklord Astro Mekanikle (LIGHT/Machine/Effect/LV12/ATK4000→4500/DEF4000)!"

"What?!"

I stared in both disbelief and horror as three columns of light formed in front of the Fake Placido, converging and forming into a towering white metal behemoth, staring down at me with malice and ill-intent. Its left arm was large gun capable of erasing me in an instant if I wasn't prepared, while its right arm was clenched into an iron fist that would demolish whatever was in front of it.

I almost didn't dare to believe it. I knew this monster well, but it was in the wrong card holder's hands. Placido was a piece of Aporia, I knew that well, but as far as I knew Placido never had access to Astro Mekanikle.

The fact that this fake one did was enough to fill me with dread. After all, just like Wisel, Mekanikle could take any Synchro Monster on my field and absorb it into itself, increasing its power. Worse, it could use that Synchro Monster to deal damage to my Life Points.

I know I like a challenge every once in a while, but isn't this kinda ridiculous?!

"I set a card face-down and end my turn."

I sighed and adjusted my hat. This bastard really wasn't making this easy for me.

…then again, I wouldn't have it any other way.

This feeling—this rising tension in my chest that I've felt so many times before. The rush of adrenaline and excitement that sets my heart ablaze.

I reveled in it.

"My Turn, draw! I activate the Magic Card Processlayer Recover Routine! I tribute a Cyberse Monster on my field, then target up to two "Processlayer" monsters in my Graveyard with different names. I Special Summon those targets, but their effects are sealed. I tribute ROM Claudia and summon Batch Processlayer d'Alembertian and Subtra!" At my call, the two mechanical monsters reappeared by my side while the sheep let out a little noise as it sank into the dark portal that opened up beneath it.

I glanced at my Extra Deck again, then nodded to myself. This could be a good way to get some damage in, assuming all went well.

"Looking to Link Summon?" After having been silent for a long while, the voice spoke with excitement. "Ooh, this should be fun. Here, let me show you how."

Knowledge began to fill my head. It felt like someone opened up a tutorial menu in my brain. I followed the instructions as they were laid out, raising my hand with my palm facing the sky above me. Sparks began to surge through my arm, dancing across my palm before shooting up into the sky and laying the groundwork for the circuit.

"Appear, the circuit that connects all things!" Admittedly, my chant was made-up on the spot, but hey, who cares about the details? "Arrowheads confirmed. The summoning condition is two Cyberse Monsters. I set Processlayer Subtra and Batch Processlayer d'Alembertian into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine!"

My monsters nodded at each other before they jumped up, bodies becoming whirlwinds of power that fed the circuit. The cursors on the circuit lit up. I felt the presence of a monster being beckoned forth, pushing its way through the boundaries holding it back. The wall of data gave in and the monster emerged proudly from the circuit, descending to my side.

"Link Summon." I smiled at my first-ever Link Summoning. I had to admit, this was cool. I think I could get used to this. "Link 2, Cyberse Wicckid (DARK/Cyberse/Link/Effect/Bottom, Bottom-Right/ATK800/2)!" Though Wicckid looked young, there was no denying the gleam of intelligence in his eyes, clad in a black cloak with a hood and wielding a black-and-green stave in its hand. "When Link Summoned, Cyberse Wicckid can't be destroyed by battle or by card effect."

Fake Placido narrowed his eyes. "As there is a second monster occupying the Extra Monster Zone, all Machine Monsters on my field gain an additional 500 ATK (Wisel – Link Ascendant: ATK900→1900, Astro Mekanikle: ATK4500→5000)."

Crap. Forgot about that effect.

Even so—!

"When I control a Cyberse Monster, I can Special Summon Backup Secretary (DARK/Cyberse/Effect/LV3/ATK1200/DEF800) directly from my hand." A woman wearing a translucent, glowing purple cape with a black visor resembling a VR headset and carrying a tablet in her hand appeared beside Wicckid, beaming a confidant grin. "I activate Cyberse Wicckid's effect. When a monster is Special Summoned next to its Link Arrow, I can banish a Cyberse Monster in my Graveyard, then add a Cyberse Tuner to my hand. I banish Processlayer Equilizer and add a Cyberse Tuner to my hand."

Fake Placido narrowed his eyes. "Bold choice, considering who it is you face."

I smiled confidently. "You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. I summon Processlayer Nabla (DARK/Cyberse/Tuner/Effect/LV4/ATK1000/DEF1500)!" A black-and-gold machine appeared in front of me, a triangular-shaped blade in its hand. Once more, I raised my hand high into the air and called upon the circuit. "The summoning condition is two Level 2 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Processlayer Nabla and Backup Secretary into the Link Markers! Link Summon!"

The circuit flared to life once my monsters integrated with it. A powerful pulse emanated from it as a monster descended to the field, one that made the Fake Placido stare at it with a look of caution.

"Link 2, Update Jammer (WIND/Cyberse/Link/Effect/Left, Top/ATK2000/2)!" Like Wicckid, Update Jammer looked young and wore a heavy green trenchcoat, a large contraption with a satellite dish attached to the top. "Next, I activate the Trap, Processlayer Superfactorial! I target up to three "Processlayer" monsters in my Graveyard with different names, then choose one of Superfactorial's two effects to activate. I activate the first effect: I Special Summon the target monsters to my field, then use them to Synchro Summon a "Pyrocesslayer" Synchro Monster from the Extra Deck! The materials used to summon that monster are shuffled back into my deck instead of being sent to the Graveyard or banished. I summon Processlayer Subtra and Nabla, then Tune my Level 4 Subtra with Nabla!"

A green orb appeared in front of me with a gold triangle at the top; a doorway for my monsters to emerge from. The cloaked machine rose high into the air while its gold-and-black sibling lost its form, breaking down and reforming into a series of rings that Subra entered. It became transparent, becoming an outline of its former self with four shining lights inside its body.

I'm not sure why, but as this happened, the faces of my friends from Neo Domino City and its counterpart flashed in my mind. It's a shame we couldn't have done this duel on a Duel Runner, otherwise this would have been amazing.

"As a friend of mine would say: Let's rev it up! The flames of logic! Envelop all of creation and reform it into the chaotic inferno! Synchro Summon!" The lights and the rings exploded into a pillar of power. From within that pillar, the result of one monster refining the soul and strength of another, was a newborn power enveloped in flames. It emerged from the pillar of light, flames lapping away at its metal form. Red armor clad its white body, its black mantle flowing about like fiery wings. In one hand was a flamberge, while in the other was a ball of fire. "Come out, Level 8! Pyrocesslayer Magma (FIRE/Cyberse/Synchro/Tuner/Effect/LV8/ATK2500/DEF0)!"

Fake Placido face warped into one of hostility. Just like the original, it despised all manner of Synchro Monsters. That included the one that appeared before it. I had no doubt that, once he had the opportunity, he would waste no time in having Astro Mekanikle consume Magma's power and use it against me.

I wouldn't give him the opportunity.

"I activate the Continuous Trap Processlayer Induction! While this card is on the field, all Cyberse Monsters I control gain an extra 500 ATK (Cyberse Wicckid: ATK800→1300, Update Jammer: ATK2000→2500, Pyrocesslayer Magma: ATK2500→3000)!"

I take a moment to breathe in and out. Assuming this went well, I could deal some damage to this bastard.

"Battle!" I cried out. "I attack Meklord Emperor Wisel – Link Ascendant with Pyrocesslayer Magma!" Magma dragged its flame-coated hand across its flamberge before charging towards Fake Placido's monster. Its eyes glowed red as it reared its arm back and threw a punch, its fist meeting Magma's flame-wreathed sword. "When a Cyberse Monster I control battles, I can activate Update Jammer's effect! Once per battle, during damage calculation, Update Jammer negates the effects of all other cards on the field until the damage step! Update Jammer also uses our monsters original ATK and DEF during the Damage Step!"

Update Jammer fiddled with the device in his hands and the contraption on his back went to work. A distorted film began to envelop the field. As it did, Magma sliced straight through Link Ascendant's fist and proceeded to bisect the metal monster in a single swing. A trail of flame was left in its wake, followed by the monster exploding to pieces. Fake Placido was forced to shield his face with his arm to avoid the embers and smoke getting in his eyes.

"When your monster is destroyed while this effect is active, you take 100 damage in addition to whatever battle damage you would take from this battle."

FAKE PLACIDO LP: 8000→4500

"When Magma successfully destroys a monster in battle, I can target up to two cards on your field and destroy them. Take a guess as to which ones I'm getting rid of!" I took some satisfaction in the look of quiet anger on Fake Placido's face as Magma sent out two balls of flame that reduced his Astro Mekanikle and his Meklord Emperor's Throne. "I end my turn here."

The Fake Placido scowled and glared at me. If my plan was to piss him off, I'd say I succeeded with flying colors. On the other hand, I was now dreading what was going to happen next. Fake or not, his skills were real. Which meant he was going to hit me with everything he had.

…this was going to hurt like hell, wasn't it?

Fake Placido began his retaliation. "My turn. Draw. I activate the Trap, Metaverse and activate the Field Magic Meklord Fortress."

At this, the field changed significantly; the void was still there, but now the platform we stood on was made of steel and wires, silvery pillars with circuits running along their surface standing on either side of the field with a giant contraption sitting behind Fake Placido. It was a glass case surrounded by metal with energy sparking within in the shape of an infinity symbol.

Meklord Fortress was a card I remembered well enough; so long as it was on the field, Synchro Monsters' effects won't work on Meklord Emperors he has on his field. Other monsters, like Astro Mekanikle, though, were still fair game.

"I activate the Magic Card Meklord Reconstruction. Revive, Meklord Emperor Wisel! Meklord Astro Mekanikle!" The two machines reappeared at Fake Placido's call. Their expressions were as deadpan as could be, but I swore they looked pissed. "When monsters summoned by Meklord Reconstruction's effect leave the field, they are banished. Furthermore, during the Battle Phase, monster effects are negated."

I grimaced. "I knew it. This is going to suck."

"You are well acquainted with Meklord Astro Mekanikle, so I don't need to tell you what it is capable of," Fake Placido growled icily. He was right, I didn't have to be told what it could do. I watched with dread as a light-blue aura seemed to pour out of Astro Mekanikle's body, forming into a hand and snatching my Pyrocesslayer Magma before it dragged it toward Mekanikle and swallowed it whole. "Astro Mekanikle gains Pyrocesslayer Magma's ATK (Astro Mekanikle: ATK3000→6500). I set a card face-down. Battle."

I braced myself.

"Meklord Emperor Wisel, destroy Update Jammer!"

Wisel leaped at Update Jammer and wrapped its body around him before both proceeded to be destroyed as a result of mutual destruction. So long as Wisel was on the field, Fake Placido couldn't attack with Astro Mekanikle. Thus, by destroying Wisel, he both rid me of a valuable monster and freed Astro Mekanikle to attack me.

"As Meklord Emperor Wisel has left the field, he is banished due to Meklord Reconstruction's effect," Fake Placido told me before he continued with his assault. "Meklord Astro Mekanikle, destroy Cyberse Wicckid!"

The towering machine didn't so much move as it did tear its way forward. It raised its arms forward and released a powerful blast that ripped apart everything in front of it. The blast destroyed Cyberse Wicckid and engulfed me in the process. I felt every cell in my body scream in pain and was flung backward, hitting the ground and wheezing. My chest felt tight. It hurt just to breathe.

RED HAT LP: 5750→550

"I now activate the Quick-Play Magic Meklord Insurrection! When a "Meklord" monster is destroyed in battle and I possess a "Meklord Astro" monster, I can Special Summon a "Meklord Emperor" from my deck and ignore its summoning conditions." Behold the rebirth of true terror! Come, Meklord Emperor Wisel – Synchro Absorption (DARK/Machine/Effect/LV1/ATK2500/DEF2500)!"

My eyes widened as a new monster appeared. It was a twisted mockery of Wisel, its pieces scrambles about and locked to different joints. Compared to the monster that embodied Placido's despair, this one looked like a demonic aircraft carrier with a metal monster head with an arm attached to said head. What gave me cause for concern was the demonic blue fire that danced about its form, its visage akin to a toothy grinning demon.

"Wisel – Synchro Absorption gains Meklord Emperor Wisel's ATK thanks to Meklord Insurrection (Wisel – Synchro Absorption: ATK2500→5000)," Fake Placido aimed a finger at me and delivered my sentence. "Meklord Emperor Wisel, attack him directly!"

The flaming blue head charged at me with the intent of swallowing me whole.

I allowed myself to smile. Not because I was about to accept what I assumed was the guillotine meant to sever my head, but because I was enjoying this. I felt that familiar feeling—that inescapable rush that proved to me just how incredible dueling was.

"I banish Processlayer Recovery Subroutine from my Graveyard and activate its effect! If I would take damage that reduces my Life Points to zero, I shuffle all Cyberse monsters in my Graveyard into my deck, then gain 800 Life Points each Cyberse monster that is shuffled back into my deck!"

Fake Placido's eyes widened as he witnessed the phantom images of my monsters stand before me, consisting of Backup Secretary, ROM Claudia, Balancer Lord, Cyberse Wicckid, Processlayer Subtra, Nabla, Update Jammer and Alembertian. Though they were unable to completely push away the incoming attack, they were able to weaken it considerably to the point where I only felt like I was being stabbed all over the place instead of feeling as though I were being ripped apart.

RED HAT LP: 550→5350→350

Fake Placido was infuriated I somehow managed to prevent him from finishing off the rest of my Life Points. "So you survived… No matter. I end my turn."

I was expecting him to do the whole "you won't defeat me this turn" spiel like so many other duelists I dealt with. I shrugged and readied my counterattack while looking at my field, then at the Fake Placido's, and finally at our Life Points.

My Life Points were measly hundreds, only a shot away from being reduced to zero while this bastard still had over half his Life Points. He controlled two monsters, both of which were incredibly power at present. I had only one card, soon to be two when I drew.

My smile turned into an ear-wide grin.

Fake Placido looked scandalized. "You-?! Even when you're on the verge of defeat, you still have the nerve to smile like that?! Are you mad?!"

"No. I'm just enjoying this duel for all it's worth!" I replied. "My Turn!" I tore the top card off of my deck, creating a streak of dazzling lights that would have made Yuya proud. "Draw! I activate the Magic Card Processlayer Y2K Resolution and excavate five cards from the top of my deck, then reveal them! I also add a random card to my hand for each "Processlayer" Magic or Trap Card I excavate!"

"You're relying on luck to win?!"

"I don't need luck to understand my deck," I shoot back. Even if this wasn't a deck made with my own two hands, I understood it well enough. The thoughts, feelings, emotions and motivations coursing through each card. I trusted them, and they in turn trusted me. I took the top five cards from my deck and revealed them. "Among the cards excavated are Processlayer Formula, Superfactorial, Induction and Divider Nayuta. I add four cards to my hand, then activate the Magic Card Pot of Greed and draw an additional two cards. Next, I activate the Magic Card Processlayer Input! I Special Summon up to two Level 4 or lower "Processlayer" monsters from my deck! I summon Processlayer Multiplier (EARTH/Cyberse/Effect/LV4/ATK500/DEF2000) and Varion (WIND/Cyberse/Effect/LV4/ATK1500/DEF1000)!"

Appearing in front of me were two new monsters, one clad in gold metal plating and wielding dual swords with thrusters for legs and the other with cobalt-blue armor and wielding a long double-bladed spear.

"When Varion is summoned, I send a "Processlayer" card in my deck to the Graveyard and target a face-up monster on the field. That monster loses 400 ATK for every card in the owner's hand." I couldn't target Astro Mekanikle on account of it being useless since Fake Placido had no cards in his hand. That, and I wasn't planning on keeping Varion out for long anyways. "I choose Processlayer Varion itself (Processlayer Varion: ATK15000). I summon Processlayer Sigma (FIRE/Cyberse/Tuner/Effect/LV4/ATK1000/DEF1500) from my hand with its effect!" A red-and-white armored warrior emerged unto the field, wielding a flame-patterned sword. "Sigma can be Special Summoned from the hand or Graveyard when I don't have a monster in the Extra Monster Zone."

Fake Placido recognized Sigma for what it was. "A Tuner…"

"I activate Processlayer Multiplier's effect, changing Processlayer Sigma's Level to 8 until the end of this turn!" At my command, Multiplier raised its blades above its head and tapped them together, creating a wave that washed over Sigma and caused its body to glow. "I now tune my Level 4 Processlayer Multiplier with Processlayer Sigma!"

Both monsters took to the other; one became a series of rings while the other fell into the rings, losing its form and revealing four bright lights within itself. A warm wind began to twirl around me as I felt the resounding pulse of the monster waiting to be summoned. Yusei's face flashed in my mind. For a moment, it felt like he was standing right beside me and offering his support.

My hand clenched into a fist. "One more time! Let's rev it up! The ultimate solution of power! Set yourself free and reduce all illogical truths to ashes! Synchro Summon!" From the explosive pillar of light came the strongest and most powerful monster in this deck. It descended and set foot on the field with grace, feet gently touching the field while its flames lapped away at its body. It was covered in white-and-red armor with two horn-like ornaments on either side of its helm, open sleeves with a red wing-like design covering its arms. "Descend! Level 12, Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma (FIRE/Cyberse/Synchro/Effect/LV12/ATK3000/DEF0)!"

Fake Placido eyed Final Sigma warily. In spite of his dismissive behavior towards Synchro Monsters in general, even he seemed to understand the dangers my monster seemingly possessed.

"Since Processlayer Sigma was summoned through its own effect, I have to banish it once it leaves the field. Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma, while in the Extra Monster Zone, can only be affected by "Processlayer" card effects!" I revealed to Fake Placido. His face twisted into surprise and panic as it meant that his Astro Mekanikle's effect was useless against it. "I activate Processlayer Multiplier's effect! Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can double the ATK of a Cyberse monster in my Extra Monster Zone (Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma: ATK3000→6000)! Next, I equip Final Sigma with Processlayer Divider Nayuta!"

Final Sigma extended a hand forward. Forming from the flames that seemed to explode from its palm was a blade as long as it was, the handle bright red with a silver blade. The edge of the blade was patterned like that of a saw-blade, with red markers on its surface and at the tip of the sword. Once Final Sigma grabbed hold of the sword and held it firmly in its hand, the whole sword became wreathed in orange-red flames.

I adjusted my hat. "Battle! I attack Meklord Emperor Wisel – Synchro Absorption with Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma! As of this moment, I activate Divider Nayuta's effect, sending a Processlayer Nabla in my deck to the Graveyard and raising its ATK equal to Nabla's own (Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma: ATK6000→7000)! Nabla's effect also activates since it was sent to the Graveyard, allowing Final Sigma to attack twice per Battle Phase! Do it, Final Sigma!"

Fake Placido would not allow his monster to be destroyed so easily and promptly countered my attempt. "I activate the Counter Trap Meklord Assimilation! If my opponent battles a face-up "Meklord Emperor" monster with a Synchro monster, I can make my monster gain ATK equal to your Synchro Monster's original ATK (Wisel – Synchro Absorption: ATK5000→8000)!"

This was bad for me since it would mean Final Sigma would continue its attack and end being destroyed by the much stronger Wisel monster—and in the process wipe out my remaining Life Points—were it not for the fact that I had Varion.

"Processlayer Varion's effect! During the Battle Phase, I can negate an attack!" Varion stabbed its spear into the ground, sending out a shockwave that forced both opposing monsters to cease their assault on each other and return to their respective owners. "Thanks to Nabla's effect, Final Sigma can attack again! This time, I'll choose Meklord Astro Mekanikle!"

Unlike before, there was nothing to stop Final Sigma. Astro Mekanikle fired off twin blasts from its arms. Final Sigma easily pushed through it and swung its blade in a horizontal arc, cutting Astro Mekanikle clean in half and destroying it in a fiery blaze. Fake Placido shielded himself from the resulting explosion that came from his monster's death.

"When Final Sigma battles while in the Extra Monster Zone, any battle damage it deals is doubled!" I informed my opponent smugly.

FAKE PLACIDO LP: 4500→3500

"Meklord Emperor Wisel – Synchro Absorptions' effect," Fake Placido growled through gritted teeth. "Once per turn, when my opponent destroys a face-up "Meklord" monster on my field with a Synchro Monster, Wisel gains ATK equal to that monster's original ATK (Wisel – Synchro Absorption: ATK8000→11000)." The fiery phantom that circled around Wisel engulfed the mechanical monstrosity, making it look more intimidating and far more menacing than before. Fake Placido sneered at me as though he had achieved victory. "You've lost, boy. You have run out of options. You have no more cards to play. Surrender, and I may make what comes next painless."

I stared at him for only a moment before I threw my head back in laughter. "I think you're misunderstanding something here. I haven't lost yet. In fact, I've already won this thing." I gave a cheeky grin as I played the card that would win me the day. "I activate the Quick-Play Magic Processlayer Probability!"

"What?!"

"I draw one card, and if that card is a "Processlayer" card, Processlayer Probability allows a "Processlayer" monster to attack again, with the added bonus of its ATK being doubled. If the card I draw isn't a Processlayer card, however, my monster's ATK is changed to 0."

"You are relying on chance?" Fake Placido scoffs.

"Not chance, deck construction." I counter. "Unless I am mistaken, my deck is made up of almost entirely "Processlayer" cards."

"Which means…" Placido realizes.

"DRAW!" I declare, before drawing my card and looking at it. I smirk while pointing a finger at him.

"The card I drew was Processlayer Formula!"

(Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma: ATK7000→14000)

Beside me, Final Sigma swept its hand over Divider Nayuta, wreathing the sword in crimson red flames. "I have no idea who you are, but if you were the real Placido, there's no way you would've let me get this far. It's time we end this! Pyrocesslayer Final Sigma! Destroy Meklord Emperor Wisel – Synchro Absorption! Pyro Code End! !"

Final Sigma jumped into the air, evading the demonic flaming head of blue fire that attempted to stop it before it could complete its power-up. At the height of its jump, Final Sigma gripped Divider Nayuta with both hands and swung with all its might, sending forth a blazing arc that consumed and obliterated the demonic flaming head.

Fake Placido stared at the oncoming attack in shock and disbelief before his expression settled into a look of resignation. Red eyes locked with mine.

"You… You are more than I dared hope for."

That was the last thing he said before both he and the embodiment of his despair were consumed by fire.

FAKE PLACIDO LP: 3500→0

RED HAT—WIN!

The moment the false Placido and Wisel were destroyed by Final Sigma's attack, my surroundings changed.

I wasn't standing in a pitch-black void anymore. Instead, I stood in what looked like a white expanse that stretched on forever, silver pillars of glass lining a path on either side of me. Beneath me was a black-and-white tiled floor. Fixed to the walls on either side were portraits. Said portraits had varying images, all featuring duelists either in the middle of an intense and epic duel or basking in the afterglow of victory. One had a boy with a pyramid-shaped necklace strapped around his neck. Another had a young man with heterochromatic eyes; one greenish-blue and the other bright orange. Some had a young man with black hair with gold highlights and a yellow jagged mark on his left cheek. Others had a kid with tanned skin with a strange eyeglass over his left eye, accompanied by what looked like a ghostly figure. The more recent looking portraits had a kid riding atop a red dragon with mismatched eyes.

Friends from another time. People I dueled alongside with and fought with over the course of what felt like years.

Calling them my "friends" didn't sound right. Saying they were "family" might be much more appropriate. I made so many friends because I met these people, dueled so many new opponents, saved the world god knows how many times.

This was place a museum—a collection of memories and moments of the places and times I had been to for one reason or another. I never really understood how I ended up in those places and times. Maybe some godly entity or cosmic coincidence was at play, but I didn't care. I was truly grateful for having the opportunity to meet such wonderful people.

And now it looks like I'm off again to parts unknown.

"Looks like you haven't lost your touch, ▅▅▅▅!" the voice, possibly the person or entity responsible for sending me off to these places and times, exclaimed excitedly. "Are you awake now?"

I gave a nod. The duel was very satisfying, but I do have to admit, I was hoping I would have gotten to duel the actual Placido again. At the very least, he would have made that duel a whole lot more challenging. He didn't even use any of his other cards that whole time!

The voice chuckles, "I wanted you to get used to your deck, as well as the duels you'll find yourself in."

I hear the sound of metal groaning behind me. I turn to see a steel door lined with circuit-like markings opening up. A myriad of lights spill out from the doorway. A gentle warmth beckons me to enter.

Realizing my next adventure was just around the corner, I make my way towards the door.

"I can't wait to see what kind of new memories and friends you'll make there."

Neither could I.

I take my first step into the threshold.

"When you get back, tell me all about your adventures in LINK VRAINS, okay?"

In the next moment, my world becomes filled with light.

To Be Continued In:
WELCOME TO THE VRAINS

Processlayer Varion / WIND / Level 4 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 1500 / DEF 1000 / When this card is Normal or Speciail Summoned: send 1 "Processlayer" card from your deck to the Graveyard and target 1 face-up monster on the field; until the end of this turn, that monster loses 400 ATK x number of cards in the monster's controller's hand. During your Battle Phase: Negate 1 attack. You can only use each effect of "Processlayer Varion" once per turn.

Meklord Emperor Wisel - Synchro Absorption / DARK / Level 1 / Machine / Effect / ATK 2500 / DEF 2500 / Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned by its own effect. During your opponent's turn (Quick Effect): You can send 1 face-up "Meklord" monster you control to the GY; Special Summon this card from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Meklord Emperor Wisel - Synchro Absorption" once per turn. Once per turn, your opponent's turn; if your opponent destroys a face-up "Meklord" monster you control with a Synchro Monster: This card gains ATK equal to your opponent's Synchro Monster's original ATK until the end of this turn.

(Note: "Meklord Emperor Wisel – Synchro Absorption" is an actual card. The effect that is underlined is an effect added for this fanfic)

Meklord Emperor Wisel - Link Ascendant / WIND / Link Arrows: Top, Bottom / Machine / Link / Effect / ATK 0 / LINK - 1 / 2 "Machine Imperial" monsters
Gains 200 ATK for every "Meklord" monster in your GY. When this card points to "Meklord Emperor Wisel Infinity": This can cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effect and it gains the original ATK of "Meklord Emperor Wisel Infinity." Once per turn: Special Summon 1 "Meklord Emperor" monster from your deck and ignore its summoning conditions, but while that card is linked to this card, it cannot declare an attack. When this card leaves the field: Special Summon 1 "Meklord" monster whose Level is equal to or higher than the monster with the highest Level on the field, regardless of controller.

Processlayer Equation Code / Spell / Normal / Excavate 6 cards from the bottom of your deck and draw 1 card for every "Processlayer" monster with a different name you excavate (Max. 3). You can activate only 1 "Processlayer Equation Code" per turn.

Processlayer Recovery Routine / Spell / Normal / Tribute 1 Cyberse monster you control and target up to 2 "Processlayer" monsters in your GY with different names: Special Summon those monster(s) to your field with their effects negated. You can only activate 1 "Processlayer Recovery Routine" per turn. If you would take damage that would reduce your LP to zero and this card is in your GY; Banish this card and shuffle all Cyberse monsters in your GY into your deck and gain 800 Life Points x number of Cyberse monsters shuffled into your deck. You can activate each effect of "Processlayer Recovery Routine" once per turn.

Processlayer Y2K Resolution / Spell / Normal / Excavate 5 cards from the top of your deck and reveal them to your opponent, then shuffle them back into your deck. Add 1 random card x number of "Processlayer" Spell/Trap Cards you excavated.

Processlayer Input / Spell / Normal / Special Summon up to 2 Level 4 or lower "Processlayer" monsters from your deck, but banish them during your End Phase. You can activate only 1 "Processalyer Input" per turn.

Meklord Reconstruction / Spell / Normal / Target up to 2 "Meklord" monster in your GY: Special Summon those monsters to your field, but banish them if they leave the field.

Processlayer Probability / Spell / Quick-Play / Target 1 "Processlayer" monster in your Extra Monster Zone, and if you do, draw 1 card and reveal it. If the revealed card is a "Processlayer" card, that target can make 1 additional attack during the Battle Phase of this turn, also, its ATK is doubled. If the revealed card is not a "Processlayer" card, the targeted monster's ATK is changed to 0.

Revenge of the Meklord Emperor / Spell / Quick-Play / Target 1 face-up "Meklord" monster you control and target 1 face-up card your opponent controls: Destroy both targets and deal damage to your opponent's LP equal to half of the first target's original ATK. You can activate only 1 "Revenge of the Machine Emperor" per turn.

Meklord Rebirth / Spell / Quick-Play / If a "Meklord" monster you control is destroyed by battle and you control at least 1 "Meklord Astro" monster: Special Summon 1 "Meklord Emperor" monster in your deck to your field and ignore its summoning conditions. That monster gains ATK equal to the "Meklord" monster destroyed this turn. You can activate only 1 "Meklord Rebirth" per turn.

Meklord Emperor's Royal Throne / Spell / Field / When you activate this card: Special Summon up to 2 Level 4 or lower "Meklord Army" monsters from your deck and ignore their summoning conditions, but during your End Phase: Destroy them. While this card is face-up on your field: All Machine monsters gain 500 ATK and DEF x number of monsters in the Extra Monster Zone. If your opponent would inflict damage to your Life Points and reduce them to zero: tribute 2 "Machine Lord" monsters you control: Negate that damage.

Meklord Assimilation / Trap / Counter / If your opponent would attack a face-up "Meklord Emperor" monster you control with a Synchro Monster: That "Meklord" monster you control gains ATK equal to your opponent's attacking Synchro Monster's original ATK.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special thanks go to Donjusticia for his work in beta-ing and fixing this chapter.

I'm so embarrassed. When I wrote this duel, I had it so Final Sigma would be able to attack again with Double Chance Up/Double or Nothing...until Donjusticia pointed it out that Final Sigma, while in the Extra Monster Zone, cannot be affected by any cards accepted Processlayer cards. A fact I completely forgot as I neared the end. Thankfully, Donjusticia fixed that mistake for me.

With the downside being that I sold my soul to him and I possibly may be his gofer for the unforseeable future.

All jokes aside, this is my newest Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS fanfic, and it is a Tag Force fanfic as well. Admittedly, I was confused on whether or not this would be considered a GX crossover since Red Hat first appeared in GX, so I had to consult some people. This story will also be cross-posted on Spacebattles.

In regards to any concerns that Red Hat will only be using the Processlayer archetype, be at ease. He has access to many other versatile cards and decks at his disposal, including decks and archetypes used by other characters such as past protagonists, as well as some antagonists.

The reason why this story is called "Prologue" is due to the branching paths. This story will have under ten chapters, but will feature sequels that will have Red Hat partnering with characters like Playmaker, Blue Angel, Go Onizuka, Ghost Girl, Revolver, etc. Each sequel, or "continuation" will focus on Red Hat's relationship with that character, though I should mention that Blue Angel and Go Onizuka's stories will be original content while Revolver and Playmaker's will follow the plot of the anime. Ghost Girl's story will be a mix of both.

On a side note, I'm using a duel format similar to the one I used for my Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: Pendulum of Ruin fanfic. How does it look? Should I continue using it or stick to my old duel format?